Replacing front diff?

[TwoBobsKJ]

So I'm seriously contemplating regearing to 4:10's - but instead of switching the Ring & Pinion in the front diff just replacing the entire diff with one from a 4-cylinder Libby. I've got a line on a couple of them for less that $250.

Questions:

- Is it wise to use a diff from a used 4-cyl? Both of the ones I'm looking at have less that 50,000 miles on them.

- If I switch the diffs is it a big problem to do so? I'd need to pull the diff anyway if I put in a new R&P but I'm thinking it's a Saturday job if I pull the unit out and replace it with the 4:10 diff.

I've gotten used to tearing the front apart since I lifted it (can't seem to stop tinkering!) so I'm not worried about that. If I need to take a couple of days to do the job I know I can make the Jeep driveable even if it will only be 2WD temporarily.

Oh yeah, probably going to go with Motive 4:10's in the rear.

Feedback?

Bob

 

[tommudd]

Front is fairly easy to R&R ( or I think it is) :shrug:
First one I ever did on a KJ took 3 hours or so, just cause we had to look at it plus find it from all the mud packed up in there.
Mine that I have now was a new from Mopar 4 cylinder ( I didn't buy it new) I picked mine up with only 8 or 10,000 miles on it
I have Motive gears in the rear, so far no issues and they've been in over 39,000 miles

 

[tjkj2002]

The only issue with R&I'ing the front diff is that one drivers side mount bolt that they installed backwards so the LCA has to come off(then a alignment is needed).

No way did a 2.4 gasser overstress it's D30A,heck I bought a brand new D30A for a '05 2.4 gasser with the 4.10's installed already and swapped in a DTT and ran it for about 40,000 miles with no issues,then it went in JL Rockies CRD and was bashed for alot more miles with no issues.

 

[tommudd]

We never pulled the LCAs before
one bolt on the passenger side had to be loosened and pulled part way out but other than that not bad

 

[tjkj2002]

We never pulled the LCAs before
one bolt on the passenger side had to be loosened and pulled part way out but other than that not bad

Yeah forgot your putting back in a D30A,I was not as I was removing to sell and never installing a D30A again.

 

[tommudd]

If you need any help I'll try and make it over your way.
Be good to see that black beauty of yours anyways

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

If you need any help I'll try and make it over your way.
Be good to see that black beauty of yours anyways

Thanks Tom - that'd be awesome! Black beauty is getting some off-road time today to it'll be prettier with some mud on it :icon_twisted:

You having any more "events" this summer? Would enjoy connecting with some of the others here in our region. :happy160:

Troy, your note about how much you beat on a 2.4L diff answers my question - I'm gonna grab one of those 4-cylinder diffs I found.

Bob

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Good score finding a four cylinder diff.
I have never seen a KJ here with a four ******!