TK Rear axle
 

Hi after recently finishing the restoration of my 1979 TK 220 with wooden dropside body l took it to the Lanark truck show.I was more than pleased how she ran but was rather disappointed with the 40mph top speed.This wasn,t such an issue as l travelled the 80mls on A roads,next year l would like to go a bit further afield which would involve motorway driving which quite frankly l don't fancy at 40mph.So the reason for the post is there another axle from a truck or bus l could use with a higher diff ratio.
Cheers Tommy.
PS not sure whats in it just now

There are two methods of increasing top speed.

A rear axle with a different (lower numerical) ratio will help and there are / were numerous options available when new. You should be able to get a replacement that will fit directly (either as a complete assembly, or, as a replacement 'head' - leaving the casing in situ).

The drawback with this will be a loss of lowgear gradeability (though, I imagine you don't intend to drive fully-laden up steep gradients).

Another method is to fit an overdrive gearbox. The standard Bedford gearbox will probably be a four-speed direct top ratio, but there were alternatives available with five forward ratios - and these were usually overdrive top gears.

You would probably need to source parts from a breaker's yard - the possibility of finding new is remote, though you could find something from a reconditioner.

You will have fairly restricted options (some axles and gearbxes will be too large and heavy for your 'lightweight' vehicle, but both options (axle and gearbox) are possible - you could do both . . .

I no longer have access to the details that you require, but there will be specialists out there to provide the necessary information.

I'll see what I can find.

Thanks for the quick reply,my preferred option would be to fit a complete axle or a overdrive box(were they available for the 4 cyl).
You added a comment regarding a photo in the gallery put up by G6 UXU this is my lorry,l have also left a comment.
Cheers Tommy

Try these:- http://www.transmissionunits.com/

or these:- http://www.commercialgearboxes.co.uk/

There are others - search on Bedford Truck gearbox repairs / axle repairs.

You might be able to fit a two-speed rear axle (though I'm doubtful whether you could find one small enough to fit your vehicle - they tended to be fitted to larger models).

If you want to fit your rear-axle gear ratio:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bedford-TK...item233535f0fa

I don't know what ratio you have - it might be stamped on the axle housing (front casting).

How to determine the rear axle ratio:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNgjS5mHI0E

This manual should provide the information that you need:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SERVICE-TR...item3f3e176c8a

Bedford 4 Speed Transmission

Turner T5-300 Five Speed Transmission

Turner T5-400 Five Speed Transmission

Eaton 475 SM Five Speed Transmission

Eaton 542 SM Five Speed Transmission

Propeller Shafts

Bedford Single Speed Hypoid Rear Axle

Bedford Two Speed Rear Axle

This page has some good info info about regearing

http://www.acwbedford.com.au/Bedford%20FAQ.html

I don't think you mentioned whether you have 16" or 20" wheels.