Rangie diffs, How strong are they?

[Busta-P]

Hey all, well i've been wondering, how strong are the diffs in a range rover, i have 2 of them (range rovers) one is a 77 and the other is an 80 (i think), how much punishment can the standard diffs take and is there anyway to make them better without spending a million gazillion dollars.

thanks in advance,

Busta-P

[kevbutty]

The Diffs on Rangie's are in my experience very strong & only break with too much right foot :crazy: the weak point is the driveshafts which are best replaced with Maxidrive ones.

[Busta-P]

what will a set of those set me back? aslo i've read that the newer rangies (93 onwards have 24 spline axles as opposed to the 10 spline axles of the classic rovers are these hard to retrofit into the rangies?

cheers

Busta-P

[tpj77]

Depends on your tyre size and how you drive. 31 inches upwards you'll be likely to break something if you're not too careful, but you can break anything if you try hard enough.:eek: :eek:

I've been through a few Rover diffs and axles over the years and replaced mine with maxi-drives loong time ago. Since then, no more issues :thumb:

Trav

[Busta-P]

How much do maxidrives cost? they sound like they're pretty flash i doubt they'll be cheap.

cheers

Busta-P

[kevbutty]

I don't know how much they cost but heres some more info & contact details :thumb:

Maxi-Drive Product Info (http://www.4wdworld.com.au/products/maxidrive/)

[Reddo]

Hi we ran standard diffs and axles (10 spline) for some time with 33s and no problems.

But in moving to 35s we upgraded to Maxis in the rear (700 or so), and Jac Mac axles and Nissan CVs in the front (1100 or so with machining I fink), later we added 4.11 CWPs (Ashcroft) and pegged the diff too. Drive flanges were also upgraded with axles etc.

So far soo good.

But as said you can get away with standard gear depending on your driving style. Rover diffs are so much lighter than Nissan and will simply not take the same punishment because they are not as heavily built in the first place. But Nissan diffs sit lower than Rover and are much heavier. Nissan is very stong, no doubt, but you'll need larger tyres to get the diff clearance back. It's always a case of compromise and chasing your tail no matter what.

Also remember that the diffs/axles etc you may have already done many kind Ks, and so will be worn - as they all do. This makes them even less reliable when you decide to fit larger tyres and fang them off road.

[Busta-P]

thanks for all the help fellas, i might look into these maxidrives (after i get it on the road) i think just to be on the safe side.

cheers

Busta-P

[Geoffa]

Hey reddo did you peg the diffs yourself? and if so is it hard to do, I am looking at doing it myself when I change my ratios.

Geoff

[Busta-P]

i've been thinking about pegging my diffs is there anyone on SE Qld that knows how to do it, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

Busta-P

[DGR01]

sorry guys but $for$ transplanting toyota 60 series diffs is always going to be the cheapest and strongest option.
- they are heaps cheaper to buy than nissan ones
- std lsd fits both front and rear
- heaps of cheap upgrades, welded cv's , longfield chromo cv's and axles
- high steer available - to suit the rangie steering geometry.
- heaps of lockers available.
- offset rear driveshaft

[Busta-P]

sorry guys but $for$ transplanting toyota 60 series diffs is always going to be the cheapest and strongest option.

Oh really.........do you have any more info on this conversion e.g. what year toyota do they come out of?, and how difficult is the conversion?

cheers

Busta-P

[Reddo]

Check any land rover forum and search for toyota diff conversion and you'll find heaps of info on this. Yes Yota diffs (Hilux/4 Runner?) can be retrofitted to the Rover housing by modding the bolt holes, and you can even re-use one of the Yota axles (I think). But other axles will need to be specially made by Jac Mac or someone like that. Not sure that you will gain that much CV wise though.....unless you buy expensive Longfields, and they have issues too so some say, and you will have to get the swivels machined out to take the bigger axles etc. certainly has some merit - but a bit of buggering around though.


See: Rover Tracks Extreme Duty Land Rover Drivetrain Accessories (http://www.rovertracks.com/products/driveline.html)

Starting my Rear Toy Conversion - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=9972&st=0&p=104781&#entry104781)

for some info

We pegged the diffs ourselves. Was not that hard.

see Outer Limits 4x4 Board :: View topic - Installing 4.11's (http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=80892&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60)

[jeeptheone]

So far mine have stood up to a fair amount of abuse from a previous owner with the 350 Chev and the transfer case let go before the diffs or the axles (10 splines). Not sure how they will fair with me behind the wheel!

JTO

[Busta-P]

So far mine have stood up to a fair amount of abuse from a previous owner with the 350 Chev and the transfer case let go before the diffs or the axles (10 splines). Not sure how they will fair with me behind the wheel!

JTO yeah i'm just seeing what my options are at the moment but at this stage i'm gonna try and peg a couple of the standard diffs i've got, but in the future if they break i want to replace them with something a bit stronger, but hopefully i can peg em and they'll hold until i can get some more coin together.

cheers

Busta-P

[DGR01]

i would not even bother going down the road of fitting lux ctrs and then machining axles and fitting std toy cv's. hilux ctrs alone would cost about the same as a pair of 60 ser diffs ~$500-$600, then a set of welded cv's (yuri/haultech) ~$300, yes if you have to pay someone to put mounts on it then it will cost a little, but then you are obviously capable enough to peg a diff then you should find this fairly easy. atleast then they are seriously strong for good dollars and the satisfaction of doing it yourself. enjoy doing front digs!!! while your mates break there crap!!!

[Grimace]

If your goin to swap diffs and not worried about the loss of clearance from larger pumkins, then Nissan GQ or GU front and 80 series rear. Thats it!

Or Mogs :D

Back on track reguarding standard ten spline rangie diffs. They are weak as piss.
Weakest spot on an older differential is the crosspin as it wears its weakens substantially.
I have broke four diff centres rather easily (ok one was not rather easily), the next let down is the ten spline axles only ever broke two.

With under 31s and driven nicely you could go forever almost.
I think 33s are asking for death :D

I guess you could try getting your hands on a set of later style 24spline axles and centres (or complete differentials), if found cheap enough it would be worth while. Allthough I would still consider the 24splines as a weak differential I think they will accept abit more torture (maybe half throttle :D )

[Busta-P]

so far i've gotten that i can change the centres but it's not worth it cause of all the machining or i can use gq diffs but i lose clearance, and i have also learnt that the standard rangie diffs are at best weak. So if i was to use a set of gq diffs how much trouble are they to retrofit? and finally is there any drop in centres and axles to suit the rangies?

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

so far i've gotten that i can change the centres but it's not worth it cause of all the machining or i can use gq diffs but i lose clearance, and i have also learnt that the standard rangie diffs are at best weak. So if i was to use a set of gq diffs how much trouble are they to retrofit? and finally is there any drop in centres and axles to suit the rangies?

cheers

Busta-P


Yes maxi drives or ARBS and maxi axles

Can you weld (not just weld but build shit) or use a lathe?? this will govern what way is the best for conversion's, what size tyres are you planning on running, What happened to doing it your way??

77 ramgie diffs? - Australian Land Rover Owners (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?t=42151)

[Rocky4.4]

Gotta love Rover Diffs, This is what i did to mine Yesterday.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p227/RockyNL/Picture227.jpg

[Busta-P]

@rocky - that's too bad rocky, hope you can fix her up

@cloughy - i've got 2 sets of diffs mate, i'll go my way on one but if they fail i'll hafta do somethin with the other set hey, but don't worry all systems are go with my way still checkin out my options though. oh and thanks for the link to my own thread LOL

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

@rocky - that's too bad rocky, hope you can fix her up

@cloughy - i've got 2 sets of diffs mate, i'll go my way on one but if they fail i'll hafta do somethin with the other set hey, but don't worry all systems are go with my way still checkin out my options though. oh and thanks for the link to my own thread LOL

cheers

Busta-P


The link to your own thread was for everyone elses benefit, so they knew what I was talking about LOLOLOOO

You still haven't shared your own capabilities so we can help with options, if you can't weld do a bit of basic machining, or know someone who can, then bolt in stuff is the only way....Don't waste any money on the standard rover junk, trying to play with bad metalurgy just wont happen

[Busta-P]

my capabilities, well where do i start i can use lathes, metal and wood, i have some experience using cnc machines and welding is not a problem, and as far as bad metallurgy goes well i've got a bit of experience there too and the physical properties of metal can be changed via chemical, heat and extreme cold so why not give it a shot, all i'm trying to do is get a bit more strength without spending a fortune and a bit of experimenting might pay off you never know hey, if the diffs shit the diffs shit no problem start again, i'm sure it took most people a bit of trial and error before they got evereything just right. However i do understand where you're coming from and i appreciate the input, you probably have vastly more experience with rovers and such, all i'm doing at the moment is perusing my options. Hopefully with the vast amounts of knowledge between all the members here and aulro etc i may be able to come up with something that is economical and strong.

cheers

Busta-P

[Big_Waity]

I have a mate with a Rangie. It is great, but the only time I have seen him poulled out of a bog was when he snapped an axle! Possibly too much right foot??? The big V8 has some stick!

[Busta-P]

that's no good hope he made it home alright, i don't really have a heavy foot but i would like a little more strength incase i wanna give her a stab, so far i've gotten some good information, a big thanks to everyone who has contributed.

cheers

Busta-P

[DGR01]

just put GU diffs in it cus they are unbreakable!! just ask any nissan driver!



oh except for the ones that drive hard enough to break them, then wish they had a "built" toyota diff.

$v$ a built toyota 60 series will be more than enough to compete with at any level in a rego'd rig. but if you have the $$$ then a D60 is the next step. By the sounds of it you will find modding a toy diff to fit would be easy and fun!! and cheap!!


( i can give nissan stuff crap, cus at least i have a "built" nissan diff. We have a comp GQ with the new CAL-OFFROAD 31spline chromo axles and cv's. and yes they are awesome compared to std junk, but the next big weakness is the hubs, at least longfield makes chromo hub gears for toyotas)

[HSV Rangie]

peg the diff.

fit longfield cvs and axles.

or fit jack mac or maxi drive axles.

m

[grover1968]

I have run 32" muddies with the 24 spline axles for 2 years and have flogged the shit out of them. I now run 35" pede's and still havnt snapped em touch wood !!!!

[Busta-P]

Great news i was thinking about finding some 24 spline axles, and maybe some toyo centres, hopefully it should work out alright, the plus for me is a local lad has already done the conversion so he is offering advice as i need it.

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

Great news i was thinking about finding some 24 spline axles, and maybe some toyo centres, hopefully it should work out alright, the plus for me is a local lad has already done the conversion so he is offering advice as i need it.

cheers

Busta-P


How do you intend on fitting 24 spline axles, to a 30 spline toyota centre??

[Busta-P]

that's the answer i was looking for mate, so i guess i can't then, what would you recommend? i don't know f all about diffs hence this thread, so i guess some aftermarket axles will be in order then? but which one's?. Oh and does anyone know where i can get some billet bar stock from?

cheers

Busta-P

[Reddo]

Toyo centres can be fitted - there's heaps on this on the net, Pirates etc and JacMac can do the axles for you probably 300 each or something like that - one Toyo axle can be used as is, not sure???

24 Rover spline stuff from post 93 Discos will help, but still has its limitations, as do all driveline components at some stage in terms of right footedness.

[Busta-P]

Wow that's great, i thought AM axles would be heaps more expensive, so this is what i guess i'll need, toyo centre's and aftemarket axles, once i have these parts will it be a bolt in affair?, i spoke to a fella that said i had to retap the bolt holes on the diff, is this true?

cheers

Busta-P

[JEEPCHIK]

We had an 82 model 2 door Rangine for 6 1/2 years.In that time we went through 3 diffs.Twice was due to my dad skylarking and the 3rd and final time was a major misjudgement in gear selection will driving up Collingwood Spur in the Vic Alps.I do not recommend to anyone in anything to break an componant on Collingwood spur, it was without a dought my scariest 4wd experience to date:cry: .Anyway back to Rangine diffs, after we got back to camp after Collingwood, my dad was able to swap diffs front to back and we were able to drive home:D .No tow truck needed:D .Now tell me this,could you do this if you put Tojo diffs in your Rangie?I think not:( but I could be wrong,don't know alot about Tojo's.

If you want to beef things up, go the Maxi's or a Salisbury diff(if they are still avaiable).Or you could just stick with standard and be carefull with your right foot:D Also there is heaps and heaps of Aussie info on the net.Try talking to Les Richmond Automotive.They know everything Rangie:thumb:

[boof]

.Anyway back to Rangine diffs, after we got back to camp after Collingwood, my dad was able to swap diffs front to back and we were able to drive home:D .No tow truck needed:D .Now tell me this,could you do this if you put Tojo diffs in your Rangie?I think not:( but I could be wrong,don't know alot about Tojo's.



You can do that with most solid axles vehicles, luxs, cruisers, patrols etc. ;)

Good luck with it mate I would be going the aftermarket gear if it was me. Not a fan of putting different model gear in another vehicle ;)

[Busta-P]

You can do that with most solid axles vehicles, luxs, cruisers, patrols etc. ;)

Good luck with it mate I would be going the aftermarket gear if it was me. Not a fan of putting different model gear in another vehicle ;)

I'm not real keen on it either but unfortunately money is always the limiting factor, thanks for all the input so far it has been very helpful.

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

i spoke to a fella that said i had to retap the bolt holes on the diff, is this true?

cheers

Busta-P

Yes

[cloughy]

You can do that with most solid axles vehicles, luxs, cruisers, patrols etc. ;)

Good luck with it mate I would be going the aftermarket gear if it was me. Not a fan of putting different model gear in another vehicle ;)

Except for 1HZ 75's on, 80's on, all patrols ;)

[Busta-P]

Except for 1HZ 75's on, 80's on, all patrols ;) What year model are those from?

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

What year model are those from?

cheers

Busta-P


Ahh, why do you wanna know, just showing that Boof is wrong about being able to swap front and rear centre's

[Busta-P]

because i don't know what year models these are from.

cheers

Busta-P

[cloughy]

whenever the 1hz was released, 89 I think

And all patrols............for their time on the earths existance

[Busta-P]

thanks mate, now i know what year to look for.

cheers

Busta-P