hilux diffs?

[ray-boy]

I've heard of people using hilux diffs to create a wider track on the narrow track sierra instead of just using the sierra wide track model's diffs. What benefit would this have, and are there any further mods to consider when using a non suzuki diff/axel?

[gwagensteve]

The benefit of Hilux diffs are availablility, (relatively) low cost, and more strength than sierra diffs, on top of the wider track.

The downsides are:

Centered rear diff - poor driveshaft angles
They're heavy
Steering is expensive to resolve
on a NT car, the spring pad clearance is hard to resolve
There's a loss of ground clearance (diffs are larger)
Brake master cylinder needs changing
Rims need changing
front diff size and location makes it hard to run the car SPUA.
This modification will require an engineers certificate.

The end result is you have a heavy sierra with less ground clearance than a car with sierra diffs.

In Victoria, where we don't have lots of big rocks, Sierras remain pretty reliable with suzuki axles (albeit upgraded) even with very large tyres, far larger than people readily run. (Over 34") Obviously, if your abusive you can break anything, but with our big erosion ruts, I wouldn't want to do anything that lost me ground clearance.

If you don't have the budget for upgrades to sierra axles (like doubletough CV's) another diff swap to consider is MQ/MK patrol. These will require you to widen the front spring mounts on the chassis, but the rear axle offset is helpful, they are well geared, and very cheap.

Just some ideas.

Steve.

[ray-boy]

Thanks Steve, as yet i still dont have my sierra. that will come when renovations slow down a bit. I am constantly planning the build up and every bit of info helps. does anyone in the club have hilux or patrol diffs on their sierra that i can look at? Ray.

[gwagensteve]

No, not currently.

We did one a few years ago and it was very reliable until Mock went to 39" Michelin tyres, then it could break CV's VERY easily.

Steve.