[kingkom]

Ok so there is plenty of general info on this topic. So much so that I can't seem to get a straight answer or seem to get conflicting answers.

I was told by a large wrecker that specializes in Suzuki (and also seemed to know what he was talking about) that from 2003 Grand Vitaras (new interior) had different diffs to the 1998-2002 models (at least I was told that the rear diff was larger). Now what I want is to increase my diff ratios as I have bigger tyres and a lift. I was told my only option is to go with the 4.8 diffs from an auto GV as the 5.12 vitara diffs wont fit. Does any one know if it's just the housing that's different or if the actual ring and pinion are a different size? The reason I want to know is that I also want to put a lockright in the rear and they are all specced from like 1998-2001 or 2002. Is this just because in America they were only sold until then or will it not fit the 2003 update interior GV rear diff because it's physically different.

Following on from this I want 4.24 crawler gears. Calmini specs theirs to 2002 and Trail Creeper to 2001. Did the transfer case change after this when they updated the interior?

People with lockrights and crawler gears in your 2003-2005 GV's please shout out.

I was always under the impression that all GV diffs, gearboxes and transfer cases were interchangeable. It doesn't really make sense that a manufacturer would go to the effort of redesigning diffs or gearboxes for the last 2 years of a model.

[tanshi]

as far as I know they are all the same. there are different ratios in the diffs, and some have steep housings vs alloy ones, but I believe they all fit.

transfer cases at some point changed slightly but will fit I believe.

the wrecker might be talking about the xl7 as they had a bigger rear diff than the GV

[Zook_Fan]

The rear diff shouldn't be an issue, the ring and pinions are larger on a GV but others will fit in there.

If you have a manual the crawler gears will not fit. The auto transfer will take crawler gears but will not bolt onto the manual gearbox. You can modify the gear, which I am getting done, but you will have lost your warranty.

That's across the whole range. The transfers across the years did change for the last two years, there is an issue with the early ones jumping out of gear which was ficed in the later models.

[jdk81]

The gv have small sections on the mounting face (where the 3rd member bolts up) to allow the larger diam ring gears in.

On a vit diff, once the mounting face is relieved the same, the gv 3rd member fits.

The gv housings and axles are different and at one stage became a little wider again IIRC.
So keep your housing and use the complete 3rd member you desire.

What tyre size are you looking for?
assuming stock is 215/65r16
The change from 4.3 to 4.875 would correct for a 30.7 (which is a 31" tyre).
If you are doing the crawler gears amd less than a 31" tyte, the 4.875 would be enough imo.

However the 5.12 would be more common, but over geared (depending on tyre selection).

A sierra lockright will fit in the rear, and with some mods, it will fit in the front too.