[BRAD]

Hey all, thinking of putting a Sierra front diff in my 1.6l swb vitara I'm hoping to put a NT Sierra diff but I need all the information I can get would anyone know? And do the diff ratios need to be the same as the rear diff ratios. Sorry don't know much about the SAS so I was just wondering if anyone could help me out. Muchly appreciated brad.

[MrRocky]

hmmmm very basic questions for a huge custom fab job makes me think you may not posses the
tech understanding to complete such a big swap

[Gwagensteve]

X2

I started writing a detailed response but realised that it's not worth it yet. Brad, you need to do a lot more reading and research, and then come back with some targeted questions.

To start you off, no, a NT sierra diff is far, far too narrow - 8.5" too narrow. The housing is also too weak in my opinion.
Yes, diff ratios need to be the same front to rear. If your car is manual, the diff gears are 5.12

Steve.

[BRAD]

Thanks guys will do, just I want to get a front diff that still fits in the side guards, and I don't really want to have to change the rear diff but if I have to then I will anyways thanks

[Gwagensteve]

Without building a custom front diff I don't think it is feasible to retain the vitara rear diff due to ratio mismatch. 5.12 isn't a common ratio.

In any case, a swap to a sierra (or LT230) transfer would be recommended to lower high range gearing so you can turn larger tyres, otherwise you are looking for ratios shorter than 5.12 and other than 5.29 hilux, there aren't many options unless you go 9" ford or Dana, neither of which are common/cheap options, especially for the front.

In any case, if you plan on running any tyre size that warrants a solid axle swap (so over 33" tyre/aggressive driving) then the vitara rear axles are going to be on borrowed time anyway.

I'd go 60/75 series cruiser if you are building your own links. Hilux if you buy in a TT kit, but neither of these diffs really solve the gearing problem in high range.

You have far, far more to worry about than an axle that fits under the front guards.

Steve

[got_bar_work]

80 series and patrol diffs would be the only problem to keep in the guards as u can big + off set rims
Sierra wt or nt are not wide enough
Nt hilux are to narrow so ifs hilux is as narrow as u can go
Also y do u want to be in the guards
Anything bigger then 30 would need to stick out the guard to be able to turn the wheel with out rubbing the chassis
What are ur plans for the car
What size tire do u want to run
Is it going to be road driven
Heaps of people run 31 or even 33 on the ifs
Y do u want to sas it

[BRAD]

well to cut it down to simple i want a sas because i dont want to have to worry about cv's snapping when it is fully flexed and the steering wheel turned thats the main reason

[BRAD]

seens a sierra diff is to narrow im guessing that a jimny diff is to narrow aswell

[got_bar_work]

Yes
U can get the ends of Sierra diffs and put them on a vit rear diff then get Sierra cromo cv and a custom axel
Pm Joe blow he's the man to ask

[got_bar_work]

What size tires are u running and is this going on the street or a trailer
If it's a street rig then just get a hilux cv adaptor kit off Stan and be happy and drive it
Should be good for 31-33

[BRAD]

im only running 215s for now but hoping to run 29 or 30s. is going on the street

[got_bar_work]

For that small a tire u wouldn't bother with a sas
I run 31 and twin lockers and I only bust cv when I'm stupid and jam a tire up against a ledge to big to drive up
2 of my mates run 33 and haven't busted a cv in years
It all comes down to the way u drive and how u set up the car
Don't allow to much extra drop and adjust ur steering stops

[atari4x4]

what he said x 31

seems like a lot of work, just to run around on pissy sized tyres.