1992 Hardbody axle swap

[D21_Destroyer]

OK, (and yes i did read through the axle guide first) I have a 92 hardbody that I've inherited and saved from numerous mechanical faults. At this point I'd like to keep this truck (so out with all you people about to tell me to just buy the 4wd truck). My main issue here is that I would like a limited slip or locker differential instead of this open junk i have now in the 2wd.

I could:A) drop about $600 on a locker from 4x4parts.com (OUCH)B) attempt an axle swap using an axle from a 4wd that came with LSDC) get really lucky and find a locker that'll fit my truck for a lot cheaper and nearby (don't think it'll happen)

I have all sorts of tools but I don't have a 4wd hardbody to compare against. Does anyone know if it would be possible to hook an axle from a 4wd up to my hardbody in order to obtain the limited slip? Main concerns being suspension lining up and driveshaft compatability. (I understand it'll probably make my speedo wrong and so on, I can deal with that.)

[Desert Rat]

The 4x4 axle will be wider than what you have, so if that doesn't bother you, go for it. The 4x4 axles will also be geared considerably lower, meaning higher engine rpm with the same sized tires.

Nissan LSDs are OK in the D21 years; they're near worthless in the D22 years, and if you're looking for the performance of a locker, I think you'll be disappointed.

The H190 axle, which I assume you have, is OK in stock configuration, but doesn't lend itself well to modding. It lacks the adjustment of its bigger H233B brother when regearing and installing lockers. I do think a mechanical detroit locker is available for that axle still, but that's it. The larger C200 and H233B axles will accept an ARB air locker, but those are expensive.

Another option is to source an H233B axle from a 4x4 '95 or older pickup with an open diff. Those have the 4 pinion carrier and will accept a lockrite rear locker, which is half the cost of an ARB. Again, you're talking a bit wider axle here, and you'll also need the flange end of the driveshaft from the larger axle because the bolt pattern is larger. The same Ujoint can be used.

4x4s were also spring over axle, so the spring perches would need to be cut and rewelded for a spring under configuration.

There were V6 2wd hardbodies, but they're pretty rare. I'm not positive on this, but I think they came with a larger rear axle, perhaps a C200 or maybe even the H233B. That would be a direct bolt in replacement if you can find one.

[D21_Destroyer]

thanks for the help.

I do currently have the H190, and yea the only thing i can find is the mechanical locker, which seems like it would work great but is just too expensive for me right now.

I run 8.5% oversize rear tires anyways, so unless it's a huge drop in gearing it should probably work out ok. I'll go out driving with a friend and figure out how the speedometer works out as far as that goes.

On the driveshaft, does welding together the flange off a driveshaft like that tend to cause reliability issues or do they usually hold up pretty good.

Other than that i think i might go with this plan, I can do the extra work to save money, and seeing as the front end of my truck is smashed to crap, cosmetics are of little concern.

I don't need amazing performance for now, but i do have problems getting up wet hills with this open dif and i live in the mountains, so that's problematic.

Once again, thanks for the help

[D21_Destroyer]

would it be easier to just take the springs off of the 4wd instead of welding and cutting the mounts on the ones i have now (I ask mainly in that i don't have a good place to weld, the university doesn't like you welding in the parking lot).

Also with the U-joint thing, i realized you were saying i wouldn't have to do any crazy welding and could just swap the flange end of it instead (sounds better).

Last question, I know for sure there's a pathfinder in a local yard which should have a good axle, but i know they usually ran different suspension, any issues with using that axle instead as far as being different to set up than if i pulled from another HB?

[Desert Rat]

The 4x4s sit considerably higher than a 2wd, so even if the leaf springs are the right length, you'd be sitting very tail high.

Patfhinder rear suspensions are 5 links with coiles, so there's a lot more bracketry welded to the axle and no leaf perches - you have the same challenge there. That's why I suggested the V6 pickup axle...same axle without all the crap welded to it.

[thenephilm]

you could just swap in a different axle like a ford 8.8 or something..