Front Diff Question

[sigep0359]

Is it possible to upgrade the 2 pinion front diff in the '98-'99 UZJ100 to the 4 pinion that the '00-'07 has? If it is what all is required? I would like to head this problem off at the pass and am not that interested in adding an air locker (had a front locker on my old 80 and never used it). I have read of people who had to replace the whole carrier and all due to failure and I don't want that to happen here. Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[spressomon]

Is it possible to upgrade the 2 pinion front diff in the '98-'99 UZJ100 to the 4 pinion that the '00-'07 has? If it is what all is required? I would like to head this problem off at the pass and am not that interested in adding an air locker (had a front locker on my old 80 and never used it). I have read of people who had to replace the whole carrier and all due to failure and I don't want that to happen here. Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated.

Why bother? There have been '00+/4-pinion failures too. I have a hard time understanding the unwillingness of some folks, particularly the ones that are indeed going to push their rigs off-road (yes more than gravel Class I roads ), to not nip this known issue in the bud by installing the ARB locker before collateral damage happens.

In the grand scheme of things, given what these rigs cost to purchase, insure, modify, keep in gas it's just not that big of an expense...actually investment...to take care of it the right way once and for all.

Either take proactive and preemptive measures by having the ARB installed (properly I might add) or buy the "Plus" AAA membership or similar and hope you're within their 100-mile range when it comes time to have your stranded 100 towed home.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Is it possible to upgrade the 2 pinion front diff in the '98-'99 UZJ100 to the 4 pinion that the '00-'07 has? If it is what all is required? I would like to head this problem off at the pass and am not that interested in adding an air locker (had a front locker on my old 80 and never used it). I have read of people who had to replace the whole carrier and all due to failure and I don't want that to happen here. Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated.

When I broke mine I priced it out.
At that time it was cheaper to replace the whole center section than just buy new gears. Thats just the way Toyota has their parts pricing structured.

IIRC the ARB option was around $200 more, which included having a shop set up the gears and install the ARB in the differential and the cost of the small ARB air pump. I've never used the front locker. I feel more comfortable driving in remote areas, or on mixed ice/dry pavement for that matter. The shock load caused by wheel spin on ice transitioning to a high traction surface has been known to kill a few 100 front diffs. It's not a problem just for the people who hit the tougher trails.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

ARB all the way..............pay the extra dough. In the long term you will not regret it.

 

[bluecruiser]

If you want a 4 pinion carrier, I have a brand new one from a brand new diff that I had ARB'd. PM me if interested. It would need the side bearings because they were removed for my diff.

thanks