Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey buddy,

I am trying to figure out which rig I can find the larger 8 inch front in, with 5.29's.

Does the genII diesel have this setup, or only the genI?

I am trying to find some one over seas to get me some second hand diffs to save a few bucks over getting the new gears from japan.

Doug there was no factory front 8" 5.29 diff.
It was worked out that the rear C&P of a Gen 1 will fit directly into the 8" V6 front.
So what you are after is the 8" rear 5.29 from Gen 1 diesels and turbo diesels from other markets. The Gen 2 2.5 TDI had 9" rear 5.29 and 7.25" front 5.29.

This may be a stupid question, but can I put the 8 inch gears into a high pinion genII 8 inch front?

I am really stuck, big time, on what to do with my truck.

I already have the front 5.29's, but that would leave me a detroit as my only option. The detroit is also more expensive than the new arb when it is available. A front detroit really isn't new england friendly, I get a good deal of winter weather.

I would like the shift on the fly but if I have to use a genI housing I will give it up. I have a genI housing already, so that isn't a problem.

I wish I hadn't bought the 7.25 inch ring gear before I figured out what I wanted.

I guess I could always get a 4.88 front and rear and use the 5.29 as a ash tray, but I would like to run 5.29's eventually.

No Doug the low pinion 8" front 5.29 will not work in the 8" HP housing (super select) the gear cut is called a reverse helix.
I was in the same boat the, rear is fine all 5.29 9" (I have my rear 5.29 C&P) it's the Gen 2 front diff thats the problem.
I was going to convert to the low pinion 8" so I could run the 5.29 in the front (which I would of got from Japan - Aki) I could keep the Detroit or changeover to the new ARB front locker.
But since I'm putting in a HP Tojo front axle it didn't matter. There is a HP 5.29 for the Tojo centre which I ordered so I'll end up with 5.29's anyway.
Your choices are :-
- keep the small HP front diff and use your 5.29 and source a 9" rear C&P along with a small front Detroit.
- convert to the Gen 1 8" low pinion to run the ARB front locker and you can source a front 8" 5.29 and 9" rear 5.29.

With a 3.0 V6 and auto running 33"s 4.88 is the go to be comfortable and 5.29's for 35"s.
If I was you I would try and find a 4.88 8" HP front and 4.88 9" rear diff from a wrecker over there (did you get them ??) then you can add the ARB lockers front and rear. At least you will end up with a stronger front diff, keep your shift on the fly, run twin ARB's and get a small gearing upgrade which will run 33"s fine. If you want to go to 35"s I would be planning for 5.29's to keep driveability.

Frank I am having a hell of a time finding a 4.88 8 inch front in a high pinion out of a genII.

Did they offer manual sr's with air lockers? I cant seem to find and application.

DougH wrote:Frank I am having a hell of a time finding a 4.88 8 inch front in a high pinion out of a genII.

There is no such thing.

DougH wrote:Did they offer manual sr's with air lockers? I cant seem to find and application.

All of SRs were Auto

Thats weird Alex, then the pressing question is this: why are there two different part numbers for the 4.88 gearset, IF there is only a 7.25 inch application for them.

I think I am going to try and locate a montero sport axle, they should be 4.90 and 8 inch as far as I know.

So Frank, when are you doing that axle swap.

I know some one who would be seriously interested in a 4.88 geared front axle with a detroit.

Yeah I drop it down to the shop this weekend.
Already have the Tojo axle with HP diff, 5.29 C&P for the front and rear and the ARB locker still have to get a few bits and pieces.
Unfortunately the front diff with Detroit is reserved for someone.

DougH wrote:Thats weird Alex, then the pressing question is this: why are there two different part numbers for the 4.88 gearset, IF there is only a 7.25 inch application for them.

I think I am going to try and locate a montero sport axle, they should be 4.90 and 8 inch as far as I know.

1. I ment, not in US.
2. That was my thinking for fitting ARB to mine.