Thread: which diff centres and where to buy

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Was hoping someone could help me.

I've got a 1979 ex-amry series 3 with a holden 186. I keep hearing that putting in different diff centers will assist in driveability but I've no idea on what, how or where to get these. The vehicle is probably 85% on road use, so the question is what do I get and where can I get them , and how much should I pay?

cheers
Jim

Stage 1 diffs (complete for the rear) but...... they are 3.54 so you'll trade hwy drivability for low range suckiness.

I did the high speed transfer case mod and recomend it, especially with a 186.

Originally Posted by Hardchina

Stage 1 diffs (complete for the rear) but...... they are 3.54 so you'll trade hwy drivability for low range suckiness.

I did the high speed transfer case mod and recomend it, especially with a 186.

what were the general costs for the transfer case upgrade?

I did mine some years ago, from memory it was $950 ish. But as it requires machining of the case you may have to pay a deposit and send your old one back? I don't know who, or if anyone still does the mods. A Queensland mob did mine.
You dont get a whole heap for your money, just a case with a new hole and a couple of gears.

Diffs will be cheaper

So where does one get these diff centres from? Would be great to see some pics of exactly what they look like...

cheers

I have a complete rear diff from a stage 1

Adam

G'day All, Mate if yours is a S3 109 ex-army and I'm assuming it is, dont worry about upgrading the diffs, under normal use (sensible on/off road use) you should not ever have to replace the rear differential as it should be a Salisbury, and just for interest sake a Stage 1 rear diff will fit, but the ratio at 3.54 (I think) you would need to change the front one as well, me myself personally wouldn't be bothered, and if you need a bit better speed () either go for an overdrive (hard 2 find in good condition) or go with the Hi-speed T/case, just my thoughts cheers Dennis
ps Series L/r's diff ratios are 4.7,,.

I have a series 3 Game that i have almost completely mechanically restored and enhanced. I removed the 186 holden motor and rebuilt the original 2 and a quarter but then imported a Turner Engineering performance head from uk and put a custom exhaust system on it.In regards to the diffs, I use mine as a recreational off roading machine and attempt things most people would not even try. The axles and diffs on the swb series 2 and 3 are quite weak and prone to breakage. After upgrading my rear axles to millitary spec thicker ones I have been breaking teeth off the front crownwheel which unlike the rear is a nightmare to change due to the steering and swivel hubs. i am now in the process of buying a lwb to take the rear salisbury diff and modify it to fit a swb which involves cutting off and re-welding the spring mounting brackets in line and also shortening the prop shaft. The next thing to do is find another salisbury turn it upside down and fit it to the front. I have read a lot about how it is done but never spoken to anyone who has done it. IF ANYONE HAS DONE THIS OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS DONE THIS I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM THEM.

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Was hoping someone could help me.

I've got a 1979 ex-amry series 3 with a holden 186. I keep hearing that putting in different diff centers will assist in driveability but I've no idea on what, how or where to get these. The vehicle is probably 85% on road use, so the question is what do I get and where can I get them , and how much should I pay?

cheers
Jim

I also have a 1979 ex-army series 3 with a holden 186 and have installed an Ashcroft High Speed Transfer case. I thoroughly recommend it! You get a higher high range on the road (+30%) while leaving the tractor like low range untouched. The speedo remains the same. Cost me about $700AUS including freight from the UK, plus $250 for a rebuild kit.

Agrojnr's rear diff is going for a pretty good price though and they're getting hard to find. If you wanted brand new crown wheels you'd be looking at about $500 for the front and $700 for the rear. You could get Agro's rear Salisbury then find a second hand Discovery 1 front diff (10 spline 3.54 ratio) that will fit in for about $200, overall it would cost you less than half the cost of the high speed tranfer case. Your low range will be effected as well as your speedo and your handbrake will be less effective.