Gearing for Sierra

[bunnyblaster]

As a first timer with a stock SJ51 Sierra, I found Lloyds driveway difficult. I know mostly that was due to my inexperience.
However Johno mentioned that the Sierra would benefit from lockers and a lower diff ratio in the transfer case for low range.
After some thinking, I would like to do this, but the details went in one ear and out the other.
Where do I order these parts from and what do I order?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers

[christover1]

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/

Most people order stuff from lowrange in USA.
Usually best price and cheapest delivery.
But there is many other choices out there.

[bunnyblaster]

Thanks for that Chris.

Another thing I meant to ask is to do with lockers in the rear diff.

Most of the distance the Sierra travels is being towed behind my Falcon via an A-frame. If the Sierra had a lock-rite in it's rear diff, would it cause problems cornering when being towed, seeing as the Sierra motor isn't supplying power into the diff?

[christover1]

An air locker would be switched off,
and have no effect on towing it.
IE diff is normal when switched off.

I have an auto locker in my Vitara rear diff,
I can't feel it when coasting or cruising,
only feel it under power.

In my non expert opinion,
Either rear locker type would be ok for towing on A frame.

But I'd wait for more opinions.

christover

[Jonno]

Hey Chris,

If you go to http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.ph ... e.html?p=1 it lists the recommendations for different tyre sizes

I was running the 6.5:1 with a 31.5 inch tyre and found that to be good, I still run the same gears with a 34 and its still fine.

either of the 4.xx:1 sets should be ok. What is your current tyre size?

A rear locker will make the car a lot more capable, you just need to decide what you want to do with it, if its just for shooting and driving around in places you dont want to drive your falcon I think the gears are sufficient, they also let you drive slower when shooting which is handy

If you do want a locker I think an auto locker would be fine, it will work as it should when being towed, I dont think you will even notice a difference.

I think this is the one Christover uses? http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.ph ... uzsam.html

I use a lockrite and find it to be good, maybe Steve you can provide some advice?

[christover1]

My front locker is the spartan.

My rear is lock right.

I liked the simplicity and stronger look of the spartan,
but my lock right has been working well for a long time.

My Vitara is heavier, wider and longer than the average Sierra,
that could influence thier function.

I just fitted 4:16 transfer gears to the Vitara,
but not driven it far enough to make a judgement on it.

[bunnyblaster]

Johnno

The tyre size is 235X75 R15. Using a tape measure they are 28 inch diameter.

They are nothing special, Maxxis Radial 751.

Cheers

[bunnyblaster]

Also Johnno, any idea why the 4:16:1 is $100 cheaper than the 4:9:1 gear set? Are they different manufacturers? They seem to have the same amount of parts. Does the 4:9:1 set need to made of stronger (for want of a better word) steel?

[Jonno]

Nah no idea why they are that much cheaper, the 6.5's used to be the cheapest, I think it comes down to popularity and how many they can sell.

Either one should be fine, are you planning on putting larger tyres on in future? If so you should possibly get the correct gears for whatever tyre size you are going to run.

I have a mate who is also after a set of gears but prob the 6.5's, let me know when you are ordering and maybe you guys can split postage?

I would still check with steve to be sure that that is the correct one for your car.

[bunnyblaster]

Thanks Johnno. I will wait until Steve comments.

I doubt that I will put on larger tyres as that would mean more modifications. As you know from driving it, it has some problems already on full lock.

I am not yet convinced in my mind that rear lock-rite lockers won't effect its towability with the A-frame.