[foolishme83]

Hi Guys

My rear diff has a lot of play in it. It clunks and stuff when I first let the clutch out and when I coast along. I took the prop shaft off and turned it by hand and there is a lot of rotational play each way before it engages. I put it in 4wd Hi and went for a drive with the back prop shaft disconnected and it feels much better.

My uni's are a little warn but I don't think they would affect it that much

Can I swap the front diff which has had hardly any use with the back diff?

[sideways]

Yes, if this is an SJ51T as your profile says then the 3rd members are identical.

Though you should be able pick of a good NT diff for next to nothing. No one wants them.

[foolishme83]

Thanks again sideways

I just double checked my compliance plate it's definitely a sj51t. I also had another look under it. If I take off both prop shafts front and back. Then undo the 8 little bolts that holds the case on, does the gear assembly just slide out?. Is it a simple job or do I have to mess about with setting preloads and all that jazz. I guess i'll need some kind of rattle gun to get the big nut off the middle of the flange?

How much labor is involved in swapping them over? Could a competent mechanic do it or is it a specialist job? In the meantime i'll try and source a "3rd member".

[2stroker]

They are both 4 pinion centres but the front and rear diffs in your car are not identical as they take axles with different splines. Front is 22 spline and rear is 26 spline. To use the front in the rear it will need to be dismantled and fitted with 26 spline side gears, and yes that does mean it will have to be set up again.

To answer the second question, to removed the diff centre you have to also take the axles out.

[jimny_timmy]

And the big nut doesn't need to be undone!!!