HDJ-81 Axle Confirmation

[MUDZLLA]

Hope someone can help. I have an axle code of K294 in my 1991 HDJ-81 VX-LTD and according to the attached table the K means 9.5" ring gear, the 29 means 4.10 gear ratio and the 4 means lockers. However the front diff is high pinion reverse cut (AFAIK) which only comes in 8". Do the front and rear on these have different size rings yet both be 4.10.

A shop somehow mixed up the ratios when installing a new ring & pinion so I was hoping someone out there can confirm exactly what I need in the front

 

[I Lean]

Hope someone can help. I have an axle code of K294 in my 1991 HDJ-81 VX-LTD and according to the attached table the K means 9.5" ring gear, the 29 means 4.10 gear ratio and the 4 means lockers. However the front diff is high pinion reverse cut (AFAIK) which only comes in 8". Do the front and rear on these have different size rings yet both be 4.10.

You're exactly right. 8" high pinion front, 9.5" rear.

What did the shop mix up?

 

[MUDZLLA]

You're exactly right. 8" high pinion front, 9.5" rear.

What did the shop mix up?

Somehow the front and rear ratios are different. The fluid center coupling compensated but at the expense of power, mileage, wear and tear on the tires etc. Also had a hard time getting it out of center lock. Finally went to an alignment shop and they confirmed my fears. Haven't pulled out the front member yet so not exactly sure what it is. They also put the pinion seal in backwards and was leaking oil like a sieve until I got a new one in.

 

[SNLC]

Somehow the front and rear ratios are different. The fluid center coupling compensated but at the expense of power, mileage, wear and tear on the tires etc. Also had a hard time getting it out of center lock. Finally went to an alignment shop and they confirmed my fears. Haven't pulled out the front member yet so not exactly sure what it is. They also put the pinion seal in backwards and was leaking oil like a sieve until I got a new one in.

A mechanic shop did this to your Cruiser??

Cheers

 

[MUDZLLA]

A mechanic shop did this to your Cruiser??

Cheers

Yeah. I broke a few teeth off the front ring while wheeling last Spring. Pulled the front third member and took it in to a shop specializing in this work. First they gave me a used one which I installed but found out after the birfs were buttoned up it was not a high pinion so had to pull it and get the ring set on the old one replaced with new. Now they won't touch it until I pull it out for them again. Have to redo the knuckles anyway so not too big a deal.

 

[mjosoba]

So they didn’t swap the rear gears out?

I’d be willing to bet that your viscous coupler is toast. They need to make that right.

 

[MUDZLLA]

So they didn’t swap the rear gears out?

I’d be willing to bet that your viscous coupler is toast. They need to make that right.

No but all they had to do was check the teeth count stamped on the original. No idea about the coupler. I don't think it would have even run if it's not a 4.11 in there and 4.10 in the back which is only 0.25% difference. That would explain why my rear end wanted to pass my front end on icy hills.

 

[mjosoba]

Actually, you likely don’t have a viscous coupler, if the HDJ81’s follow the same pattern as the US spec 80’s. That didn’t come until 93.

 

[MUDZLLA]

Actually, you likely don’t have a viscous coupler, if the HDJ81’s follow the same pattern as the US spec 80’s. That didn’t come until 93.

I think you're right. The 1990 FSM shows a differential gear tacked on to the rear output shaft and (I assume) sharing gear oil with the Hi-Lo T/C. There's a good chance it's still OK as I only put about 1500 km on it.

 

[Dave 2000]

The VC unit is only designed to counter slip between the front and rear on the odd occasion and certainly not continually for 1500km, it will almost certainly be damaged if you have one. If the shop will not play ball and it looks like a long term battle then simply get a big pair of circlip pliers and pull it out and use the car without it. For the amount of work it does it is not worth it.

regards

Dave

 

[SHREDwagon]

Yeah Man - As said KO82 = 4.11:1, reverse cut 8" up front
Luckily no viscous coupler.
Not sure what shop you're using - but would recommend Proactive (Master Techs) for work on LC's
Great DIY vid 80 Series High Pinion Gear and Locker Quick Tips