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SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:08 pm
by Jordi
Question - is a rear vitara axle case stronger than an SJ?

If so, is it easy to modify it to fit a Samurai?

Looking at the options to full float my rear axle but don't want the extra width. As and when I speak to RW I was going to ask him about the possibility of shortening and sleeving an axle case so when the FF kit is fitted it's the same width as the front.

Or if i sleeved a Samurai case would this make is strong enough anyway?

Your thoughts please.

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:13 pm
by andyrew
Its alot of effort for 3 inches.

If it was me I get new steel rims with a different offset at the rear.

May as well modify the bit thats least likely to break.

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:16 pm
by Ladaman
If you shorten the case won't the half shafts be too long?

I've seen a lot of posts on FF axles recently. What's the advantage of them?

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:16 pm
by Jordi
andyrew wrote:Its alot of effort for 3 inches.

If it was me I get new steel rims with a different offset at the rear.

May as well modify the bit thats least likely to break.
Also an option. Also something Richard can source.

I've just got a few more bits to get rid off to free up some extra cash.

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:19 pm
by Jordi
Ladaman wrote:If you shorten the case won't the half shafts be too long?

I've seen a lot of posts on FF axles recently. What's the advantage of them?
Richard is an engineering genius, he'd just make shafts the right length. Less stress on the shafts with FF as the shaft doesn't carry the wheel it uses front stub axles to carry the wheel and the shaft just transmits the drive.

Also uses front wheel bearings which are stronger. Shafts are chromo too.

You can also do a Mike Harris and fit FWH all round to disconnect all drive to the wheels if you break something or want to tow it issue free.

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:30 pm
by Jordi
Or do I just run it 3" wider?

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:45 pm
by andyrew
Id run 3 inches wider. Maybe spacers up front if I had them.

As for fwh all round I really don't see the point if im honest.

A nice £20 3/8th socket set in the glove box if you break a
Shaft just whip the fixed flange off. You take the hub off
To fix the shaft anyway!

Or am I missing the point?

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:48 pm
by Jordi
That's the point too, dead easy to swap shafts.

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:17 pm
by dan_2k_uk
I was thinking the different offset option.

I think spacers and high offset 33s will destroy bearings!

Re: SJ vs Vitara axles

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:19 pm
by Jordi
Need to find a FF kit first.