VDJ79 Diff housings

[MaxVDJ79]

Hi all,
I've got a 2018 VDJ79 workmate and I'm wondering if its possible to fit the GXL factory diff lock diff centres to a workmate model. I was planning on buying some diff centres from the wreckers with the factory diff lock as it would be much cheaper then buying for example Harrop E lockers. I'm now questioning whether its possible due to the diff housings potentially being different. Are the GXL diff housings (Front or rear) different to the GX and Workmate diff housings? To accomodate the diff lock actuator possibly? Also I'm not worried about the differences in the wiring harness', I'll probably make my own wiring harness if the diff centres will work. Any response will help me out.
Cheers

 

[Rigster]

Hi all,
I've got a 2018 VDJ79 workmate and I'm wondering if its possible to fit the GXL factory diff lock diff centres to a workmate model. I was planning on buying some diff centres from the wreckers with the factory diff lock as it would be much cheaper then buying for example Harrop E lockers. I'm now questioning whether its possible due to the diff housings potentially being different. Are the GXL diff housings (Front or rear) different to the GX and Workmate diff housings? To accomodate the diff lock actuator possibly? Also I'm not worried about the differences in the wiring harness', I'll probably make my own wiring harness if the diff centres will work. Any response will help me out.
Cheers

Hi Max,

I cannot speak directly for the 2018 model year, as I have a 2001 HZJ76, but I can say on mine the housing is slightly different with the factory lockers. There is a notch on one side that allows the locker to be able to be inserted and removed, as well as the studs are in different locations to accommodate the notch.

You may need to purchase the whole axle housing, so not sure if that will make it any cheaper. Either that, or notch your existing housing and move the 3 or 4 studs that are in slightly different locations to match up with the locking diff member.

 

[Indestructible 47]

The housings are different, the one you have could be made to work but then you'll still need the axle shafts as the locker diff uses a longer spline on the locker engagement side. You might find that a wrecker won't want to pull the whole diff apart and even if they did your better off buying the whole diff and doing it yourself because they will charge your for their time.

If your going to do it swap the whole diff. Then you'll have to figure out the wiring, if you search the forum there are some good threads on it.

But ill save you the time, you will be out of pocket way more then if you the Eaton route.