P38 diff swap?

obz100 · Feb 25, 2012

Hi,
My front diff howls like a wolf both on acceleration and over run. Hoping for a cheap fix I changed the oil and hoped for the best but to no avail. The old oil that came out has a lovely silver metallic colour to it. I have found a rear diff from a 4.0l and was wondering if it would fit the front? If it does would it just bolt in or would I need to modify something or other or swap housings etc? Mine is a 97 DSE.
Cheers.

Datatek · Feb 25, 2012

Before you change the diff, check the VCU hasn't seized as that's the usual cause of diff failure.

obz100 · Feb 25, 2012

Hi keith,
I checked the vcu last month using this method

Handbrake on
Select neutral
Jack one front wheel of the ground
Turn the wheel using a breaker bar.

My wheel turned quite easily by hand with some resistance but no need for the breaker bar. Certainly a lot easier than the one in the YouTube video!!

The propshaft is connected. There is a lot of wear on the very outer edges of the front tyres. Also the front output bearing has wear and is going to changed.

Do all these things suggest a fubar'd vcu?

Cheers

Datatek · Feb 25, 2012

obz100 said:
Hi keith,
I checked the vcu last month using this method

Handbrake on
Select neutral
Jack one front wheel of the ground
Turn the wheel using a breaker bar.

My wheel turned quite easily by hand with some resistance but no need for the breaker bar. Certainly a lot easier than the one in the YouTube video!!

The propshaft is connected. There is a lot of wear on the very outer edges of the front tyres. Also the front output bearing has wear and is going to changed.

Do all these things suggest a fubar'd vcu?

Cheers

If the wheel turned very easily, maybe the diff has gone completely. Never heard of a VCU failing any other way than locked solid

obz100 · Feb 25, 2012

I must check to see if the propshaft turns as I turn the wheel.

obz100 · Feb 27, 2012

Retested the vcu and it seems ok. So back to the question will a rear diff fit the front?

jamesmartin · Feb 27, 2012

it will fit and work ,but on p38s crown wheels are handed so a rear diff fitted to front will be running on other side of teeth,as do defenders and discos etc were both front and rear use same crown wheel and pininon

obz100 · Feb 27, 2012

jamesmartin said:
it will fit and work ,but on p38s crown wheels are handed so a rear diff fitted to front will be running on other side of teeth,as do defenders and discos etc were both front and rear use same crown wheel and pininon

So is that good or bad? Glass half empty type here!

P38 diff swap?

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