Suzuki Vitara 2.0 TD Front Diff Replacement

[pellett]

Hi to all

Ive got a Suzuki Vitara 2.0 Td 1995 auto and the front diff is is smashed. The problem ive got is im struggling to find parts for my motor as its becoming a bit rare. My question is: ?? Can I fit a diff from a different vitara, but it must have the same ratios, as I need it to work with my rear diff. so could I fit a grand vitara 2.0 td front diff or a 1.6 vitara front diff ??? are any of them the same running gear as mine.

Look forward to your reply's

many thanks Dave

[vitara_mad]

you cant fit a diff from a grand vitara as they have a sort of freewheeling diff

[pellett]

Thanks for the reply. Cheers nice to know, you would know if the 1.6 diffs are the same gearing as mine ? im just trying to do a straight swap ? but if worst comes to worst ill change front and rear axels. Thanks again, hope to hear from you soon.

[vitara_mad]

your diff ratio will prob be 4.30 it is in the manual td anyway

1.6 are a different ratio + yours will have 26 spline side gears so what ever you decide to do make sure you get a front diff with same or you will have to strip the diff to swap parts around

1.6 manual vits upto 96 with 5.125 ratio diffs have 22 spline side gears from 97 on they changed to 4.875 ratio with 26 spline gears

[Anton]

When you say the diff is "smashed" - what parts have been smashed? Are the ring and pinion ok? Side gears ok? If it's the spider gears that died, you may be able to take another diff and use your ring & pinion/side gears - I know SJ's can be "retrofitted" with Vit R&P's, so perhaps a 1.6 diff (especially a 97+) can supply the parts needed to rebuild your diff?

Just a suggestion, I have no idea if that's even possible!

Just as a side note, I'm not sure I would swap a 1.6 diff into a TD, though - the TD's have steel casings like SJ's, they're much much stronger. If you can smash a steel diff, you'll munch ali ones like they're sweets. The internals should be the same (apart from R&P/side gears), but don't use the Ali carrier.

TD will go "Nom nom nom, more please!"

[vitara_mad]

a 95 td wont have a steel diff

I presume its ripped the pinion end off the alloy diff ???

if its the above 9 times out of 10 it will have damaged the ring & pinion but worth checking

[Anton]

I'll defer to your knowledge, I thought I'd read that the diesels all had steel diffs.

If it's an ally carrier, I'd be thinking about upgrading the ali diff casing at the same time as replacing the diff, if it were me.

Mostly just thinking, unless there's a steel diff out there that can be had easily and cheaply that has the right diff ratios!