I got meself a 98 GV steel front diff :)

[christover1]

If I go this way, do I need to use a rear or front diff, or don't it matter.
Is it just a matter of putting Vitara ring and pinion gears onto Sierra centre?
Or do we need the vit side gears for the spline on axles to match up?
Do I still use the stock alloy axle housing piece on the Vit.
I will most likely be using an auto locker in the front, unless I win Tattslotto

If I could use my rear lock rite up front, and spool the rear, that would be worth considerations.

christover

[gwagensteve]

If I go this way, do I need to use a rear or front diff, or don't it matter.

Doesn't matter AFAIK.

Is it just a matter of putting Vitara ring and pinion gears onto Sierra centre?
Or do we need the vit side gears for the spline on axles to match up?

Depends on whether your axles are 22 or 26 spline. (There's a changeover point from memory)If it's 22 spline grab a 4 pinion front sierra diff centre from a NT. If it's 26 spline use a Rear centre.

Do I still use the stock alloy axle housing piece on the Vit.

If you have to. If the pinion of the sierra diff is strapped down hard, and you don't smack the alloy housing on the ground, it should be OK. If you don't strap the pinion, expect it to break at some stage if you punch it in reverse. That's because it's trying to twist the back of the pinion up.

I will most likely be using an auto locker in the front,

Can't see a problem with that.

If I could use my rear lock rite up front, and spool the rear, that would be worth considerations.

I don't think I'd do that. Vitaras are quite a bit heavier (and more powerful) than sierras, they generate more traction, and their axles are no stronger. I've heard of quite a few vitaras with welded/spooled diffs breaking axles on the road.

Steve.

[cj!]

x2

You should be 22 spline in the front.

[christover1]

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.
I do actualy own a front 1.3 NT axle housing and front diff,
but I think its still holding up the front of Matts Zook.
I'd better check my pile of parts before I start getting rid of stuff.

I don't mind the lock rite rear, quite nice mostly, just the huge slack in drive line a bit annoying.
Apparently there is better options now, but will stick with what I got.

[christover1]

I'm back again, does the Vitara tail shaft bolt up to the sierra flange, or will I need to fit vit flange, or some other christover type mod

[gwagensteve]

Vitara flange is the same as WT Sierra

[christover1]

Vitara flange is the same as WT Sierra

That's cool, I will have to disassemble anyway, so should be able to re-use vit flange, thanks....now to clean up my garage so I can start collecting vit bits and get some work done

cheers

[christover1]

If I am lucky enough to get a steel axle housing in the future,
I'm assuming I can refit the sierra diff/locker and 5:12 vit gears??
So I won't be wasting time or money doing the sierra 3rd for now??
Seems as tho there plenty of alloy housings kicking around, if I do break one.

christover

[gwagensteve]

Yep - you're right Chris.

Steve

[christover1]

Now I have been told my Vitara front diff carrier should bolt up to the sierra pinion housing, meaning less work, with no need to remove ring gear from vit carrier. Also means should not matter whether I use a front or rear Sierra diff to "steel" from.
And that front locker could be the same part either way.
Hope this works out, it would be easier.