2 questions - AC parts and lockers

Right, thanks for your input guys, but been to garage today to pick it up out of their way for a bit. We have discussed the idea of the locking diff, and it sounds like I need a couple of other bits, and with the cost of swapping it out (plus the initial cost of the part) I just can't do it. So, my new question is, how much should I be paying for a replacement back axle? Cheers

What is it they they say you need and how much are they quoting you to do the work? I know this may sound nosey but it would help us to help you.

Roger

To be fair, I didn't fully understand everything, and they said they would not do the work in house anyway, they would get the work done elsewhere. They didn't sound keen on the set up of it but said the locker itself would not get rid of the noise I have on the rear end. Didn't get a price, they are very good with me, used them for years, they have basically talked me into an axle swap which financially is better for me really.

M & T Transmissions in Sheffield fitted my ATB for £200 if that is any help....

You should be able to find a full axle secondhand, j999pre is member on the forum who breaks the odd car and sells new/used parts, send him a private message.

sniper

Cheers Sniper

The differential consists of the pinion, which transmits power from the engine, and the crown wheel which is bolted to the diff. casing. If you are replacing the standard diff. with an aftermarket one then you should not need to disturb the pinion unless the bearings are shot and as your guy said that fitting a new diff. would not cure the noise then i suspect he believes it may be the pinion bearings. Most modern diffs. rely on crush spacers to set the preload and most garages farm out this work as fitters don't know how to do it.I replaced the crush tube on my Landcruiser with a solid tube sourced from the states.If you can get a s/hand axle from a reliable source that is probably the way to go.

Roger

I replaced both the diffs in my Jimny in an afternoon. It's not a big job, and you certainly don't need to replace the whole axle. Fitting a locker is a bit more involved as it requires dismantling the diff and then re-assembling and setting the backlash. I imagine this is the bit they would outsource. But in terms of fixing your noise issue by replacing with another standard differential it is a simple job for any mediocre mechanic.

Personally I would stay well away from a Detroit Locker - ok they are cheap ...

I've had them for years, but even though they are "meant" to unlock - they don't.

Don't get me wrong they are awesome if ll you are going to do is Pay n Play, but if like me you Green Lane and have to drive tarmac there and back, the Locker will:

1) Wear your tyres out quicker
2) Chew the ends off you rear shafts
3) After 3-4years they bugger up your Diff

Spend wisely - work out how much your Locker is, add to that rear tyres every 18months, maybe a set of rear shafts every year, add new bearings, add new ABS Collars, and finally the cost oif another Diff ...

ARBs (air controlled) Lockers workout around £1,200 fitted.

Kaisers are around £600 - I got mine fitted for £25 at local garage - I have a Kaiser in the Rear and Front Diff

Quaiffe - I have no experice,but Sniper like his.

Thanks for the replies, decided an axle swap will do me, keep the costs down. I think I will only have Little Jim for another year or 2 then get something else, and I haven't needed a locking diff in the last 3 years of ownership.

Idea for a test. Find a country lane with a decent enough grass verge at about the same height as the road. Wait until it has rained. Park n/side wheels onto grass with o/side on road. Carry out full blooded start and see what happens.In Landcruiser left grooves in grass and motor hardly moved forward.

Go home and fit Eaton-Detroit Truetrac L.S.Diff in rear ( they can be fitted in front as well ).

Carry out test. Result, no wheel spin on n/side, just full blooded acceleration with slight chirp from o/side rear tyre (tests carried out in 2 wheel drive). On checking the grass on the verge no sign of damage.

Other things to note
1/ Cornering improved because the diff is controlling the attempt by the inside wheel to slip.
2/ Oil specified is basic hypoid. Do not use synthetic. It's fit and forget and long lasting.
3/ It doesn't act in any unpleasant ways.

Roger

I have just had an email from Eaton-Detroit concerning the Truetrac diff. They do not at present make one for the Jimny.

Roger