Swapping front end in an 80 series

[Big Woody]

Just returned from Fraser Island in my 1990 model 80 series GXL constant 4wd Landcruiser with 2 x clicking CV's and collapsed swivel hub bearings on one side.

Before I go ahead and rebuild my existing front end I have the opportunity to purchase a complete disk to disk front end from a 1994 80 Series GXL in good nick and fit this instead.

I understand that the later model front ends have larger brakes (which would be great as I tow a 2 tonne yacht), and stronger CV splines which tend not to have the same sloppy drivetrain issues that my model has.

My question is will the later model front end bolt straight in and are there any other difference that may cause me grief through the changeover?
Are the diff ratios the same through the entire 80 series range or do I need to open them up to check?

Your help is much appreciated!

Brett

[Big Woody]

Bump!

[02-SR5]

Cant see why the change wont fit, all the mounting points are all the same. I would be worried about diff ratio though. Is it out of the same model. Do petrol and diesel vehicles have the same diff ratio's. This would be my only conern. If does have the bigger brakes and CV's, then I reckon go for it, and if the diff ratio is different, change them over from your existing one (may be fit locker too).

[Big Woody]

Thanks 02-SR5,

Not sure about the difference between petrol and diesel diff ratios. Both my vehicle and the donor vehicle are diesel so hopefully they are the same. Good point about swapping the centres though as long as they are also interchangeable.

I don't know much about lockers. Does the whole diff centre get changed when a locker is fitted or does the ratio stay the same due to having the same crown wheel and pinion?

Brett

[02-SR5]

The ring and pinion stay the same, the locker replaces the diff center.

But if the diff ratios are the same, unless you really need, I wouldnt worry about a locker then.

[HDJ105]

My question is will the later model front end bolt straight in and are there any other difference that may cause me grief through the changeover?
Are the diff ratios the same through the entire 80 series range or do I need to open them up to check?

Your help is much appreciated!

Brett

Yes mate, should all bolt straight in. Diff ratios in all Aussie 80's were the same 4.1's.

You will experience a slight difference in ride height as the spring mounts were slightly different on the first 80's, although I can't recall if it was the chassis mounts or axle mounts.

Of course you should also upgrade your rear brakes too, as they too were bigger on the later trucks, however you'll need 16" rims then.

[Big Woody]

Yes mate, should all bolt straight in. Diff ratios in all Aussie 80's were the same 4.1's.

You will experience a slight difference in ride height as the spring mounts were slightly different on the first 80's, although I can't recall if it was the chassis mounts or axle mounts.

Of course you should also upgrade your rear brakes too, as they too were bigger on the later trucks, however you'll need 16" rims then.

Thanks Greg that's exactly what I needed to know.

I forgot about the ride height difference. I remember now when I changed springs that the early 80 series had longer springs. That should work out well as I have recently fitted new coils to the rear and they are sitting much higher and my front end needs to lift an inch to match it.

I already have 16" whels all round so upgrading to the larger brakes is no problem. I have noticed that some of the earlier 80 series had drum brakes on the rear but mine has disks all round. When you say the rear brakes are also larger do you mean disks or drums???

Brett

[Tapage]

In my books ( means America books ) ;) the only diference could be on the 105 series with 1HZ engine and 4.30 diff ratios .. ( out of your scenario )

Other it's a straight bolt on .. and also I know have the same rear brakes, the only diference would be from drums to disk but aren't anyways your case ..

[HDJ105]

When you say the rear brakes are also larger do you mean disks or drums???

Brett

Early discs are 286mm fr / 312mm rr
Later discs are 311mm fr / 336mm rr

It's the larger diameter of the rears that prevent fitting the 15" rims.