Noob maxidrive questions.

[LandyDan]

Hi all I had a bit of a search but couldn't find the answers I was looking for so please bear with me, alternatively if you have better search skills than me (won't be hard )pointing me in the right direction will be greatly appreciated.

Righto I have a D1 with the turbo diesel engine and I have found a parts car with what I'm told are maxidrive axles front and rear with a vacuum locker in the front diff and air locker in the rear.

My questions are, what would an approximate cost to rebuild the diffs as they have been sitting idle for about five years ?

Also I'm planning on running a set of 285/75-16s from what I've read the axles should cope but would the crown wheel and pinion be the next weakest link ?

Would a ratio change be a good idea? If so what would be the ideal ratio ?

Thanks in advance,
Dan.

Edit this is the pic old mate sent me of the hubs.

[BathurstTom]

I am not an expert in these things, one thing to look out for is your Disco 10 spline or 24 spline. I believe that 24 spline started at about 94/95 on - others are welcome to correct me on this . Do you know what spline these diffs are?

I think that the 24 spline are a stronger setup.

Tom.

[LandyDan]

I'm unsure on the number of splines the MDs have, I do know they are under a 1994 diesel disco.

I am yet to see them is there anyway to tell the spline count without disassembly of the diff ?

[PhilipA]

10 spline Maxidrives came with strengthened axles so its irrelevant from the strength point of view whether they are 10 or fine spline.

I would think have a look at the oil in the diff to see whether they are filled with water or oil.

If they have oil only and no water , you could try to lock the air one by attaching an air line and maybe an indicator bulb to see whether it locks as the indicator light only indicates when it physically locks..Ditto the front with vacuum. You may have to turn an axle end to get them to lock.

If they are filled with oil and lock and unlock then I see no reason not to use them . This is without considering whether they are fitted with ABS etc to match the car.
Diff ratios depend on what size tyres are fitted . The stock ratio is good for up to 5% say 31 inch but 4.11 would be good for 33 inch and up.
Regards Philip A

[LandyDan]

Thanks Philip.