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Rear Diff Question (stupid Question or not???)

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:58 pm
by jakam04
I have an 85 model FJ73 with the FRP top. The question I have is...

I have a fairly steep front yard (grass). When driving up the front yard (from bottom left to top right), the left wheel spins way too freely . I know that diffs send traction to the wheel with the least traction. But I didnt think it would transfer so quickly. Could this indicate a problem with my diff? I dare not drive up biasing the right side (from right bottom to left top) as Im sure the wife will get even more pissed at me as there are now two ripped up tracks on our front lawn.

Jarrod :)

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:05 pm
by beatle_bayly
Sounds like a perfectly serviceable 'open' differential to me. If your vehicle is fitted with an LSD, it's not working. LSDs usually require rebuilding at about 20-40,000kms.

The rear left wheel is unloaded because of gravity pitching the car down hill. Only way to fix it is to fit a good LSD or a locker. Better tyres may help slightly.

Remember, an old fashioned 4X4 with open diffs and no differential action in the Tx case (such as my FJ60), is really only a one-wheel-drive on the road. When you shift to 4X4, you are really only getting two-wheel-drive, one wheel att he front, the other at the rear. Get diagonally opposite wheels off the ground, say crosssing a ditch, and you ain't goin' nowhere :lol:

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:24 pm
by jakam04
Thanks for the reply mate. Obviously Im no mechanic and have limited knowledge (as shown by my basic question) regarding technical aspects.

Will in future buy a locker of some sort. till then....


Thanks

Jarrod :)

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:23 am
by JOHNZ
1985 model will have a open diff . lsd diff was fitted late 1987
cheers

Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 3:04 pm
by Ley269
Check for an LSD sticker on the diff housing. Failing that, jack up the rear end, put it in neutral and turn one wheel. The other wheel should turn in the same direction. If it does, it's an LSD, if it turns the opposite direction, it's an open centre. If it's an LSD then it sounds like it needs rebuilding. Rip out the centre, sell it, or swap it for an open centre with the same ratio and put a lock-rite in it (As the lockka fits an open centre diff only). Probably just as cheap as getting the LSD rebuilt anyway.
BTW, my BJ74 is an 86 and is LSD.

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:07 am
by jakam04
Thanks again for your replies. I have established that I have an open diff in the rear. I had tossed up putting either a lokka or lockrite diff lock in. lokka $499 comparing to lockrite $799...

Only thing is, I cant afford it till later on.

Jarrod :)

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:45 am
by Simo63
jakam04 wrote:Thanks again for your replies. I have established that I have an open diff in the rear. I had tossed up putting either a lokka or lockrite diff lock in. lokka $499 comparing to lockrite $799...

Only thing is, I cant afford it till later on.

Jarrod :)
What about a $50 pack of welding rods and make your own CIG locker?? Only good if you are driving off road 90% of the time though :D

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:57 pm
by DIRTY ROCK STAR
jakam04 wrote:Thanks again for your replies. I have established that I have an open diff in the rear. I had tossed up putting either a lokka or lockrite diff lock in. lokka $499 comparing to lockrite $799...

Only thing is, I cant afford it till later on.

Jarrod :)
man that lockrite price can be beaten by a heap hey...
shop in the states, i paid $242 US for one.
and i have heard that the ones in the US are a better item then the aussie ones.
if you get serious PM me and i tell you where i shopped.