Hilux ifs model rear diffs

[rob-hilux]

I am after some info on the diffs for my 98 model 2.7 ifs hilux. I am now running 33's and am looking to fit air lockers and change the diff ratios from 4.3 to 4.8 . I bought a spare set of diffs for the front and rear with 4.8 in them but have found out that the ifs model has a wider axle in the rear and that the open spare diff is not as strong as the limited slip that i currently have in the car.
The diff place recommended not wasteing my money putting the air locker in the spare diff but get a new crown wheel and pinion 4.8 ratio for the rear and put a locker in that . (but they are hard to come by and couldn't get one till new year)

1. Are the front diffs and housings all the same (just different ratios)
2. Are the rear diff 4.8 crown wheel and pinions different sizes or is it just the housings thats bigger?
3. where i can get hold of a 4.8 ratio crown wheel and pinion for the later ifs model diff.

Any other help would be greatful.
located in Sydney

Thanks.

[Mr DJ]

I am after some info on the diffs for my 98 model 2.7 ifs hilux. I am now running 33's and am looking to fit air lockers and change the diff ratios from 4.3 to 4.8 . I bought a spare set of diffs for the front and rear with 4.8 in them but have found out that the ifs model has a wider axle in the rear and that the open spare diff is not as strong as the limited slip that i currently have in the car.
IMO An Air locker will make it stronger than LSD as the crown wheel can not flex as easily under load.
The diff place recommended not wasteing my money putting the air locker in the spare diff but get a new crown wheel and pinion 4.8 ratio for the rear and put a locker in that . (but they are hard to come by and couldn't get one till new year)
I had to get an open centre (had LSD) to have an air locker fitted by ARB to the rear (RD23) but don't know if this is still necessary with the current updated version (RD132).

1. Are the front diffs and housings all the same (just different ratios)
In width, yes, but some have ADD (Automatic Differential Disconnect) and some don't. If you have "push a button" 4WD and don't get out to lock the hubs in, then yours is ADD.

2. Are the rear diff 4.8 crown wheel and pinions different sizes or is it just the housings thats bigger?
The crown wheel size remains 8", the number and size of teeth in the crown wheel and pinion set change to provide different ratios.
A 4.88 rear centre housing is slightly different cast shape compared to 4.56, 4.3 and 4.1 which are the same. You can get a 4.88 C&P to suit the other housings just make sure you get the right one to suit the housing your using.

3. where i can get hold of a 4.8 ratio crown wheel and pinion for the later ifs model diff.
They are easy enough to get. Try a diff specialist or Trail Gear in the states (good conversion rates ATM). Maybe try ringing around a few places.

Any other help would be greatful.
located in Sydney

Thanks.

my 2c worth, Doug.

[rob-hilux]

The front diff is without the add and the spare is the same so this should be ok to get the locker fitted and swap staight over.

I think that the info on the rear , lsd being stronger , was refering to the cast housing being bigger on the later model ifs hilux so putting the locker in the older type with a smaller housing would be weaker . (only guessing here not 100% sure)