[pakejotter]

Hi Everyone,

I have recently purchased a 2000 manual Jimny and I am looking for some advice from the Sages of Auszook.

The car currently has a bent front diff in need of replacement and some 235/75r15 M/T's which make the car pretty dopey.

Since I have to replace the front diff I was thinking about grabbing a set of post 2006 vvti diffs since this should bring my gearing back to ~ stock but would also mean I would probably be without a rear locker.

(100/3.909)*4.3-100 = 10.003%
(100/26.3)*28.9-100 = 9.886%

or replacing the front diff with a factory one and getting some smaller tyres.

I haven't called many places but the best price for a set of complete vvti diffs, with 20,000 kms on them is ~1,500 or $500 for a front diff.

In short what would make the car more capable and driveable. keeping the 29s with proper tyres without a locker or going for smaller wheels with the a locker. I am leaning towards the lower ratio's and 29's.

[Gwagensteve]

Why would you loose the locker? Just swap the 4.3 gears onto the locked centre.

[pakejotter]

Good point. Was thinking of possibly selling the locked diff off but there is no reason why I have to. Also can anyone confirm that vvti diffs are externally the same as the g13bb diffs? I have done a fair bit of searching but havent found any definitive answers either way.

[dougies_tx5turbo]

All jimnys diffs are interchangeable even abs one's

[Gwagensteve]

^this guy.

[pakejotter]

Thanks guys, leaning towards keeping the 29s and getting some 4.3's and possibly putting the locker in down the track unless anyone wants to talk me out of it? Also if anyone has any recommendations for good wreckers in Adelaide or has a 4.3 front diff and a complete rear or just a centre let me know.

[alien]

do it right the first time and keep the locker while changing ratios. youll hate not having a locker after having had one.

[pakejotter]

Thanks for your input alien.
I purchased the car yesterday with a bent front diff so I am yet to use it in anger and don't know what I am missing. I am still not sure how extreme I want to go yet. Most of my wheeling will be with my brother who just got a stock turbo diesel troopy which is about to get 33's and a 2 inch lift, so nothing to radical.

I have driven a 1l LWB sierra with a 1.3, 29s and a small lift and that thing was pretty much unstoppable for what we used it for.

I suppose my question is will the cost of properly geared 235's:
- ~$1000 more than just replacing the front diff now,
- worse fuel economy(how much)
- > chance of getting a defect
- more wear on everything else

Out weight the benefits:
- more diff clearance
- longer contact patch on sand

or should I just get a pre vvti front diff and some 215's.

I know this is a very difficult question with a heap of variables but if I could get some input as to what you would do and why that would be great. Just trying to avoid making as many mistakes as possible and wasting to much money as I am sure, which ever way I go, I am going to do both.

[watermouse]

Rear locked on 215/75/15 AT or MT treads will be more than capable on any wheeling SA has to offer. Just replace the front diff.

[pakejotter]

Thanks for the feedback watermouse just the advice I am looking for. Spending to much time on the internet makes it too easy trick yourself into thinking that lockers, 33's and 5 inches of lift are neciscery to to have a bit of fun.

[Skippy]

sorry if i hijack this thread but does it matter if mk1 is 8 bolt where as mk2&3 are 10 bolt?

I ask because i have a front locked mk1 centre and want to swap the gears.

[pakejotter]

Hi guys, I went and ignored all of your advice and got the later model diffs with 4.3's as I wasn't loving the locker around town and the tyres on it still have heaps of meat left. Once again thanks for your advice.