question--Tecate axle & rear suspension

[ATCT]

I just received a really nice axle for an '84 Tecate. I was wondering, what is the difference between the '84 and '85 axles, as they are different part numbers. Will the 84 axle not fit in the 85 axle carrier? Or is it due to the different hubs?

Also, was the 85 rear suspension/swingarm different from the 84? If so, what's the difference. Can I run an 85 swingarm on an 84 frame?

I really wish I had that DW article on the 85 so I'd know what changes were made (aside from the very obvious).

[ccdhowell]

As far as I know, only the hub spines are different. I believe you can put the 84 axle in the 85 carrier and run the swingarm on the 84 frame.

I don't own both, several guys around do and they can probably tell you more and be more accurate.

Chris

[ATCT]

Well, if it's only the splines, that's not too horrible, although then I'd have trouble if I get stock wheels. Perhaps I'll skip the stock wheels and just get some regular aluminum wheels then.

thanks!

[T3 LOPES]

The axles are the same . 84 85 hubs will work on either axle because they have the same splines . The pivot arms are different from 84 to 85 so are the dog bones, one is longer than the other. You will need 85 rims for 85 hubs and 84 rims for 84 hubs if you go with stock oem rims. The rear calipers are different from 84 to 85 so you will have to use a 84 carrier for a 84 caliper and 85 for 85. Swing arms are basicly the same.

[scooterroo]

as far as i know the swingers are the same on the 84/85 models, the two i have are identical, ones and 84 model the others off the 85 model. the hubs are different, 84's are 4x4 bolt pattern, 85 runs the 4x156 bolt pattern. the axles should be the same...so you should be good to go.

[ATCT]

Thanks guys.

That's really strange. I wonder why they used two different part numbers for the axles. Most of the parts that carried over from 84 to 85 had the same number. In fact, for some reason, there were two axle numbers in 84. I guess they must have had a problem with the early issued Tecates, so up to a certain issue number, they're one axle, and after that number, it went to a different axle. The 85, hence, is a THIRD part number for apparently the same thing.

Well, I guess that's good. I'll have both swingarms, although I don't think I'll have a carrier for the '85. So is the pivot arm a different angle on the '85? I'm guessing it's an improvement. (again, would be nice to have that article... )

I am aware of the different bolt pattern on the hubs. I guess the biggest hurdle might be finding some OEM rear rims. Someone here on the boards contacted me at one point and said they had some, but I can't find the damn PM.

[T3 LOPES]

The best thing to do is buy tecate front wheels off ebay or from a member . They seem to be in better condition than the rears. now that your saying the axles have different part #s I will compare the 2 and let you know later. I sware I ran a 85 in my 84 carrier but mabe it was miss listed when I bought it off ebay. Tecat-z has a 85 axle for sure and I have a 84. Let you know. Lopes

[hadar]

The difference in the swingarm part #'s is because you had 2 different colors. 84-gold and 85-silver.

[ATCT]

The difference in the swingarm part #'s is because you had 2 different colors. 84-gold and 85-silver.

hadar, I'm talking about a differnt part number for the actual axle. Seeing as they are different, I was wondering if i could run an '84 axle in an '85 swinger, and what's the difference between the 84 and 85 axle that warranted a different part number. I thought it might be because the hubs/different splines, but apparently, that's not the case, so I've been told.

[hadar]

hadar, I'm talking about a differnt part number for the actual axle. Seeing as they are different, I was wondering if i could run an '84 axle in an '85 swinger, and what's the difference between the 84 and 85 axle that warranted a different part number. I thought it might be because the hubs/different splines, but apparently, that's not the case, so I've been told.

I can't tell you the difference, Were they plated in in different colors from 84-85? I'm sure you can use either for the 2 carriers. As far as I'm aware they are the same part.

[tecat-z]

The axles are without a doubt the same. Carriers are different. Pivot arms are different as well as stock dog bones. 84 were much shorter. 84-85 shock length was also different. Swingarms are interchangeable, and the only difference i've noticed besides color, was in 85 they stuffed the open area in back of the link point to reduce flex in that area. I've seen many crack in that area including my 85 'updated design'. They took pipe and 1/4 cut it, and welded it to the corners. It worked so well, i threw mine in the garbage. Compare 84 and 85 and you will see difference. There are many obvious changes between the two, and many not so obvious.