I got meself a 98 GV steel front diff :)

[christover1]

Sierra steel diff to go into the Vit.
Got it a tad cheaper as all its internal bits had imploded.
Damn glad I didn't want a working diff.
First I will fit empty diff into vitara, then I can measure up and make needed brackets. Then I pull it out and save up for the locker. Then I will change over the Vitara bits into Sierra case and fit and fit locker, then instal it all back in...this plan could change as I go along tho

Will assemble without front diff if I need to use car during the job.

[christover1]

Think I may clean it as first job

[christover1]

Do we need extra strapping with a steel diff, or will making a bracket to suit stock mounting position suffice?

suziworld had 2 gv's wrecking, but both had alloy housings

[cj!]

It doesn't hurt to still strap it as the mounts have been known to bend under load. My suggestion would be to get another Factory mount that is used to bolt it to the cross-member and make up a collar to mount it on the other side.

There is a complete spare front diff waiting for you to come and grab to. We will be there tomorrow if you want to come up and get it.

[christover1]

I got a few ideas along those lines, but will get it in the hole and have a proper look 1st.

I will be using the vitara carrier, as the steel diff is empty (assuming it will fit)
I'm finding different part numbers for front lockers in Sierra and Vitara, and I thought they be the same.
LOWRANGE sell a front lockrite with carrier already to go, so that may be an option.
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.ph ... ystem.html
May still need to use Sierra carrier if lock rite type lockers are hard to get for Vit.

I will try to get up tomorrow, but may be a flying visit, got a lot on

[christover1]

I been playing with spare diff bits.
Found out the Vit pinion housing uses 2 locater bolts, that are too long for Sierra housing.
Just used two Sierra studs, think I should have room to fit diff under car.
I can't see any grinding needed if I use the Vitara carrier,
I'm assuming thats only needed when using a sierra carrier???
Not got a 1.3 to compare, see pix.

[christover1]

I need to learn to listen with my good ear, or at least with my brain switched on.
Its a bit of the steel Sierra diff that needs grinding, not the Vit alloy case
It became obvious after trying to insert assembly to measure for making a mount.
If I sell enough stuff this weekend, will wait for a locker before assembly.
If not will assemble with open alloy diff while I save.
PS Don't pull a Vitara front tailshaft out, without draining transfer case first...its not a Sierra...what a mess

[christover1]

http://auszookers.com/index.php?name=Fo ... 189#196189

[christover1]

After mucking round for days, not really finding any set up that I liked, and making the sierra diff too thin at the point where it hits the crossmember, I have decided to wait for a full steel diff, so I am putting back the old alloy diff and will start saving for a steely and do it properly, and add a locker at same time.
I don't feel I've wasted my time, though, as I have learnt a lot about the Vit in this process, which will make it a smoother job when I do go steel, and is a bonus knowing the car when in the bush.
I managed to lean on the angle grinder while it was still turning

[christover1]

I lucky it wasn't more serious, only takes a moment of lack of concentration