ATB diffs

[JohnnyB]

Has anyone who has been using Ashcroft ATB diffs front and rear long term had and issues with them or like to offer and advice on using them.

[Rok_Dr]

I’ve had a pair in for almost 2 years now and love them! They compliment the traction control in my D2a very nicely. Work well in sand and rough ground.

No issues or problems to report. If you fit one to the front you’ll find the steering is slightly heavier and has a stronger self centring action. It doesn’t bother me but some find not to their liking.

cheers

Steve.

[JohnnyB]

Thanks Steve did you get them in Australia or have to import them and did you fit the centre or a complete diff.

Regards
JB

[Vern]

I have recently removed mine from the front and sold it, didn't like the torque steer. Otherwise it worked well.

[Rok_Dr]

Thanks Steve did you get them in Australia or have to import them and did you fit the centre or a complete diff.

Regards
JB

I bought the centres from Ashcroft in the UK and had a local specialist fit them up. At the same time They replaced all the bearings etc and did the front hub seals.

cheers

steve

[rick130]

And unfortunately Ashcroft's are closed atm due to the UK lockdown.

[JohnnyB]

Thanks guys I'll order a set from Ashcroft as well.

Regards
JB

[gavinwibrow]

Thanks guys I'll order a set from Ashcroft as well.

Regards
JB

Because Ashcroft could not supply at the time, I had the TrueTrac (similar concept) fitted front and rear in my D2a about 10 years ago. I got mine from USA with the good exchange rate at the time.

I was so impressed that when the opportunity arose I put a pair on my RRC LSE about 7 years ago - but for the moment still have the Viscous Coupling. If all goes well, I'm planning to change to a LT230 transfer case, in which case will include the Ashcroft centre diff).

Very happy with them as you basically fit and forget, and I also like the stronger self centreing for both road and bush work.

As Steve said also a good time to check out all of your related bearings/transmission items.

[AK83]

I have a pair for my D1, but zero experience with them on how well or not they work.
Reason I have them and no experience is that my mechanic is a slack @$$, and so am I and they've been with him for the past 2 years awaiting build.

What I did was that I'm using the (nicer) diffs out of my D2 part, get him to build them up with the new ATB and bearings and all, as I'm pretty useless with diff building, then bring them home and install the the two final drives into D1.

I got them direct from Ashcroft, and delivered by DHL, DHL contacted me when they arrived to arrange delivery AFTER I paid some totally unexpected duties and fees and whatnot. I did pay the GST in the transaction, but that wasn't what I was additionally charged for clearing through DHLs customs procedure.

In the end barely saved me anything, other than the cost of a set of bearings.

How to buy, ie. local vs overseas will come down to exchange rate at the time of transaction.
There'd be a fine balance between waiting for Au$ to rise, or UKP to fall and finding them locally in stock at a set price.
They are heavy(ish) and expect approx $100-150 in freight when using whatever service Ashcrofts use.

Delivery from transaction going through was very quick tho .. less than a week!

As a quick point of reference, LRA(Les Richmond) have them for $855 as of now. Years back when I bought mine tho they had them for $650(IIRC). They could well be found cheaper at any other LR accessorising outlet. So shop around.

So at $855 x 2 + $1710 locally sourced
From Ashcroft, expect about UKP 100 for delivery, then add GST(as they're prices are ex GST) that will be charged at the time of checkout once you list Aus as the destination.
Add the bearings set, at the current exchange rate(which they won't specifically use, this will depend on the bank(s) specific rate, to come from Ashcroft you're looking at a minimum of about Au$1663(the Au is worth zilch .. or 0.5 UKP).

is it worth the hassle and/or delay for that $100 or 2?

[Rok_Dr]

For those who live outside of Melbourne LRA don’t include shipping in the price you’ll have to add freight to the cost, to keep the comparison fair.

Using LRA’s freight calculator and Townsville 4810 as the destination it comes out to an extra $97 for regular postage or $293! for express post. This is for 2 ATB centres.

in my experience Australia post delivery times within Oz are generally slower than companies like DHL.

Cheers

Steve