Bulletproof wrote:On the forum I have noticed quite a few people putting solid hilux diffs in surfs. I have also noticed others putting gussets on the hilux diffs to strengthen them.
In my hilux I have used a 1992 70 series Landcruiser front diff which I believe is far superior.
What are the advantages
1 Square box section design for strength
2 Plate steel around the nugget housing is alot thicker and will take a lot more punishment from rocks
3 CVs are a lot stronger with the beafed up edge
4 High pinion which is a lot stonger because crown wheel is ground the right way round
5 High pinion gives a lot straighter front drive shaft
6 High pinion keeps universal out of shit more
7 Carrier has bigger bearings
8 Pinion has bigger bearings
9 Still has the 8inch diff
So I think a cruiser diff wins every time and cant think of any advantage in having a hilux one
cheers Richard
That is an interesting statement. Are you sure you mean 70 series? or Prado/80 series axle?
Yes, box section is stronger, but not as strong as the std tube design with box strengthening.
Nugget housing, a lot thicker? Yes it is a wee bit thicker, but IMHO you still need some armour over it.
No argument on C V's. But with 30 spline longfields, there is NO std axle on commonly available trucks that is as strong.
Diff head with high pinion is definitely a bonus.
I have the later model LN130 diff heads in my wreck which are the US V6 carrier. Not sure on actuals, but I think bearing sets are the same.
The major point of using Hilux bits is that the parts (if required) are everywhere and relatively cheap. It is also very easy to alter ratio's, because of the availability on std diff ratios that range from 4.1 to 5.29.
My argument would be that for the amount of work (and cash) required to graft in an 80 series axle, you could still build a stronger Hilux setup.
But the usefulness of the high pinion setup cannot be overlooked, and for that reason alone, if you get one cheap enough, it is worth looking at.
My 2c worth anyway.
Keep it coming Bulletproof, I do like this thread.
Ugly is a state of mind..... and the state of my truck!
. The other place to look at putting a grease nipple is in the hub itself so all the wheel bearing cavity can be filled with grease, (if it's full of grease, there is no room for water). Some will argue that this will cause the bearings to overheat, and if you drive at 160kph for long periods, I'm sure it will. But mine is a 4wd, not a Fendalton tractor, and is never likely to be driven at constant high speeds.
, but I have another mod for those arms as well. It is only useful if (like me) you have had issues with the retaining bolts and cones washers coming loose. I'll post pics here if you want to have a looksee.
