[DarkHorse]

OK, Stoopid question for the day...

I'm confusing myself over CV splines. I don't have access to the car to check, and I don't particularly want to do a bunch of prep work only for it not to fit, so...



CONTEXT:
1.6L 93 model LWB Vit, with a steel front diff from an 01 model V6 GV (5.12 gears transplanted into steel housing, and as far as I know if necessary the side gears were as well, I still have the stock CVs.) I have a stub axle that was cut down from a LHS axle flange and a RHS inner axle for the RHS conversion. I also have the poly support bush and a fresh oil seal to go in behind the stub flange. Finally, as you can see in the pic, one CV boot is trashed, so I've got rebuild kits for both ends to do while it's out.

My confusion is that, while I thought I was pretty careful to spec that I needed 1.6 manual LWB bits when ordering the axle, and the CV came as a spare when I bought the car, I haven't actually bothered to check the spline counts until now. The stub axle is 22 spline and 23mm dia, the CV outer is 26 spline and 35mm dia.

Is the stub the right count/size or do I have to get another one made up?
Is the CV the right count for my car?

I don't want to go to the effort of rebuilding the CV if it's no good. I have a set of hubs here that fit the CV, so if necessary I can change them over as well, but that then defeats the purpose of simplifying spare/replacement parts that is the whole point of this conversion.

Finally, the stub axle has a constant shaft width:

Whereas I've come across a bunch of photos that look like this:



Anyhoo, after trawling through the tech and other sections for a few hours I haven't been able to find much in the way of definitive answers about the spline counts for various models, so thought this would be a good opportunity to get a list going, as well as help me out of my stupidity.

So if anybody knows the model and year ranges for 22 or 26 spline axles/CVs please tell.

[christover1]

22 spline is into the diff. (side gears)
Stubby is 22 spline.
Inner axle on other side is 22 spline (most likely)
As you have a stubby, it dont matter what cv type,
as long as its not wide track (think they are longer)
As they bolt up to the 3 bolt flange, they don't slide into the diff.

Think thats what your asking?.

[christover1]

Th dip in one stubby don't matter.
The bush sits on the thicker part.
Other thicker part fits into diff carrier.
The dip may help keep oil to the bush?

[christover1]

I am assuming the stubby has been fitted into the diff that you are talking about.
The stubby is the only bit that "has to fit"
Spline count is only relevant going into the diff.

I believe the cv end splines are all the same.

[DarkHorse]

Thanks Chris
Thanks Chris
Thanks Chris

Stubby hasn't been fitted, I've been collecting this stuff for a while as I haven't had a chance to take the front end apart (I want to do brakes/rims/tyres, stubby/CV/widening, and bumpstops all at once) I've had to do a lot of shopping and prep by remote without having the car to reference... like now So it's all hypothetical until I can get a full day to work and everything ready to go.

Just got spooked by the difference between what was a LHS inner axel (now stubby) and the outer LHS CV, which were from different sources, so no guarantee they were matching/compatible.

Having pulled the CV apart in preparation for rebuilding it I am comforted by the fact that both ends of the 'inter-CV' axle are 22 spline, so I'll go ahead and grease it up, put the new boots on and give it a shot when I have the time and access to the car.

So when and which models switched to 26 splines?

[Joe]

From what i remember reading it the vits with the rounder shaped dash will have the 26 spline cv's so around 96 they changed

[DarkHorse]

Oh OK, so into 2L SQ models?

[Joe]

Yep all 2L SV models were 26 spline and the SE models from 96 to 98 were 26 spline

[DarkHorse]

...and everything from then on is 26? GVs etc?

BUT ... ALL hub are 26?

Cheers guys, one more thing straight in my head.

[Joe]

Sorry i meant SV models but all SQ are 26 spline anyways

[Prezident]

Not trying to hi jack your thread, but it seems like the right place to ask, I have a 92 vit 1.6L swb, am I going to have the 22 or 26 spline? I'm only asking cause his front diff is an 01 and the splines in relation are to his diff and also 96-98. Thanks If you would like me to make a new thread, I will.

[christover1]

92 Vitara will have 22 spline front if it is not been changed.

96 - 98 Vitara front will have 26 spline if it is stock.
01 should be 26 also.

Best to check before buying anything, in case it has been modified.

[Prezident]

Thanks for the quick reply. Now I'm even more confused LOL. I mean you answer is great and understandable. My next question has no relation to this thread, mind if I pm you?

[christover1]

Prezident wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply. Now I'm even more confused LOL. I mean you answer is great and understandable. My next question has no relation to this thread, mind if I pm you?

Im ok with Pm's

[DarkHorse]

Hijack away Prez, this is one thing that's been confusing me since I got the car.

So you've got a steel front diff from a GV? Check what the sidegears are (pull existing CV out and count) before you get a replacement, because it could have 01 sidegears which are probably 26 spline, or transplanted 1.6 sides which would be 22.