Daihatsu Hijet Van/ Goldwing GL1800 Engine

The part number stamped on it didn't come up on any of my searches, I first started by contacting Road Smith Trikes out in Minnesota I believe www.trikeshop.com/trikes/1800/ I spoke with Mike in the shop, he would be the guy to talk to if you contact them 651-777-7774. I found out that they set all of their trikes up with a ford 9. They had a yoke made to fit the output shaft of a few of the shaft driven motorcycles that they convert.(they all use the same yoke) The guy who made the yoke years ago or built the driveshafts, was who I called to see if he could reproduce one for me. He said he could and told me he had to order a blank, then bore and broach it. That may be what he did, I'm not sure. It may be a of the shelf part from one of his suppliers, i don't really know. Here is his info, it cost me $125 shipped which seemed reasonable if he had to do machine work on it. Tim at Universal Driveline 651-426-8715

Thanks! Anxiously awaiting some video!

First drive last night.... pretty fun, gearing is about perfect. Just need to clean everything up, paint some stuff and get rid of the spongy brakes (may be poorly adjusted drums) Heres a video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcZlXOaqELY

Watched your video! Have you been able to wipe the smile off your face yet?

Spectacular level of awesomness there. Overall shots would be greatly appreciated.

In reply to Ben_Modified: Yeah ive had a perma grin for a while, I love when it all comes together. The next project will be to swap out the front brakes, I would like to swap out the strut system all together like you did on your Daihatsu. I need to find something that has the 4x100 or 4x110 pattern that I can shorten and that will work with my steering plight.

In reply to wheelsmithy:

I will be doing some more videos of it in the daytime having someone filming for me, and do a quick walk around as well.

Mkguyvr wrote: In reply to wheelsmithy: I will be doing some more videos of it in the daytime having someone filming for me, and do a quick walk around as well.

I anxiously await this. Well done sir! Seems like it drives pretty nicely!

Mkguyvr wrote: In reply to Ben_Modified: Yeah ive had a perma grin for a while, I love when it all comes together. The next project will be to swap out the front brakes, I would like to swap out the strut system all together like you did on your Daihatsu. I need to find something that has the 4x100 or 4x110 pattern that I can shorten and that will work with my steering plight.

I believe the miata uses a 4x100 pattern and has a front suspension that is nearly completely located on a removable crossmember with a width that should be close to what you need. The miatas are starting to show up in the self serve salvage yards and you should be able to get the complete assembly with brakes for a very reasonable price.

In reply to Ben_Modified:I have looked into the Miata, my wife didnt like the way i was eyeballing her 2002 lol, the problem i have with them is that they are a front steer application and use a rack, i would have to shorten the width and then i would need to source a rack. Ive been looking at the first gen rx7, they have the same odd bolt pattern as the Daihatsu, they share a number of parts as well. They are both rear steer and strut setup which might make it easier, Im hoping they use the same wheel bearings and i can just use the discs/hubs and put them directly on, they do share parts, rear drum cylinders, oil filter, so im hoping to get lucky.I have to see one in person first and measure some parts.If it doesnt work that way i may go wit Chassis engineering front k member and mustang 2 spindle setup, little more pricey but then i can have parts that are replaceable at any time anywhere. I may just turn the drums down into a hub and find a rotor to ride on it, I know someone who has done it on one of these Daihatsus, used a late 90s Mitsubishi Mirage front disc and made caliper brackets.

I found out that the Rx7 bearing races are the same but the bearings are a different spindle size, so I am going to try an 84-85 Rx7 front rotor/hub and see if it will work on my bearings and races. If this doesn't work then the Datsuns have a 4 bolt hub I will look at next then the Nissan 240 Sx 80s-90s has a 4 lug hub as well, and if these don't work the early Celicas have a hub that may work. If all else fails I found a company that sells custom length racing struts and control arms etc that I can make work and they use a Toyota spindle and brakes, it's a little pricey but will be a nice upgrade if it gets that far,

update?

I saw this on Daily Turismo. It's now on Craigslist:

http://treasure.craigslist.org/cto/5422397603.html