Replacing front diff with used rear diff

Hi Guys I require to replace my front diff. I do have a used spare front diff so not a huge issue, however I also have the opportunity to use a used arb locker that was used on the rear. Is it stupid to use this on the front? I allready have a rear locker so no need for it there. I know it will fit on the front, though I have heard they wear out more quickly as it will obviosuly spin the opposite way, how much of a problem is it. It would be a shame if it destroyed a perfectly good diff....whats peoples opinions? Thanks J

Give it to me and I'll give you a front diff

Set the ARB up using the used front crown wheel, that and the pinion is where the front to rear wear will be apparent.

Hi Paul,

so presumably there is no ill affect on the arb centre which ever way it spins. So for the time being I can mount the rear 10 spline diff complete and when the wear is apparent I can swap the 10 spline diff centre into a good front diff?

On a side note could I use a 24 spline diff casing and crown wheel to put place the 10 spline arb diff centre (Obviosuly this will then make it 10 spline).
I could swap the diff centre immediately as I have a good 24 spline front diff, but I have heard setting up the diff is complicated. I dont know/understand how to set up the back lash, or would you think if I mark and note the bearing adjuster position it should be ok? Cheers Jim

As far as I'm aware the reason for not putting front diffs on rears and vice-versa is 'cos of the wear patterns generated on the Crown and Pinion gears .. so no there should be no issue putting a rear locking centre onto a front.

Not done it myself with a locker but I have done it with standard diffs.

Generally the bearing adjusters should be OK, but I find they almost always need a spline or two nipping up or loosening, one side to the other!

I'd guess Jai or james might tell you in better detail.

jim cummings said:

Hi Paul,

so presumably there is no ill affect on the arb centre which ever way it spins. So for the time being I can mount the rear 10 spline diff complete and when the wear is apparent I can swap the 10 spline diff centre into a good front diff?

On a side note could I use a 24 spline diff casing and crown wheel to put place the 10 spline arb diff centre (Obviosuly this will then make it 10 spline).
I could swap the diff centre immediately as I have a good 24 spline front diff, but I have heard setting up the diff is complicated. I dont know/understand how to set up the back lash, or would you think if I mark and note the bearing adjuster position it should be ok? Cheers Jim

Click to expand...

if you use timken bearings the pinion height should be okay with shim ,preload should be 2-4nm which feels smooth to turn with slight drag,carrier bearings are set by tightening crown wheel side till all backlash has been removed ,then tightening other side till 0.10 to 0.17 mm (4-6 thou) backlash is put back then fully tighten cap bolts

Hi Paul,

I will pm Jai and James M as well but if I understand you correctly. You think it should be ok to dissasemble my rear arb diff remove the pinion and crown gears and swap them to the orriginal front crown and pinion gears, then if I reassemble as it was it should be ok, to then use on the front.

You mentioned that you need to nip up the adjusters a bit on either side, how do you know when this is correct? Cheers for input J

you can move it front to back but put locker with crown wheel on in diff case stood on nose without pinion and measure c/w runout with a dti you should do it everytime you swap crown wheels ,post above yours tell you how to set bearings not nipping up

Sorry James I'm lost, what I wanted to know can I use my rear arb diff on front. At first I planned to simply swap complete diff housing fand do nothing internal. Then it came to my attention that this is a bad idea as it will adversely wear crown and pinion (as its bedded in as a rear.
However it was suggested if I swapped the existing front crown and pinion it would be fine. It sounds though like it is on the limit of my mechanical ability without further investigation. If it was a simple swap no problem but I dont have or know what a dti guage is (guessing its measuring a distance) and I guess its for calibrating the back lash? I presume as you suggested you should use this to its risky to just mark the bearing adjusters and note the number of turns?

It maybe better in the short term to just put on one my reguler spare front diff, then when I have time set up the arb on a front diff, as I need the car working again by tomo night.....

dti dial test indicator http://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=l&a...ogledynamicsearch&rct=j&q=dial+test+indicator

you can put front in rear and other way ,depends how worn they are ,but swapping whole diffs is better than setting one up wrong by counting turns or been unsure if cw is okay

Have to agree with james, I made it sound much simpler than it is, sorry. I assumed that as you had a few diffs you might know how to do it and have the equipment, just didn't know if it was feasible!

I'd also agree with what you say about for now using a regular front diff and sorting the ARB when you have plenty time and can do it properly ..

Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it. I will definately get my self a dti tool, interested to learn a bit more about diffs.
In the mean time though I have desided to set up with a regular 24 spline diff. Probably not a bad thing not having a 10 spline locker up front anyways. Will maybe sell it and get a 24 spline locker for the front anyways. Cheers Jim

piece of **** really once you get your head round it

how much do you want for the locker?