KE30 diff upgrade

[A-to-B]

I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times and is most likely in plain view of me, BUT I can't seem to find it. So if it is out there somewhere, flame me, but if not, this is the problem.

I own a KE30 'rolla (auto, 6in Borg Warner) and after being taken to the trans specialist in town (only one), he informs me I need a new diff (hub to hub). The quote is $660 fitted. I payed $700 for the car. To me this sounds overpriced, but I'm not sure. What my question is, for that sort of money, would it be better to go for a stronger unit that can handle a bit better the rigours of P-plate driving?

So far, options considered are:
*Hilux LSD
*R31 Skyline Silouhette LSD

The hilux diff seems too heavy, but it's an option. It needs to be able to withstand a 5K (wow huge power) coming soon. Is it worth getting these modified to suit, and come out cheaper than a standard one?

[emp?]

$660 is prob right, but in no way would i pay that
it cost about $400 to get an LSD hilux diff into my ke30

[rob1]

5K? Go to a wreckers and buy a drum to drum diff and change it yourself.

[anastasios]

yea my cousin might have a 30 diff for sale in a while if your interested, and its alot cheaper than 660 lol

[oldcorollas]

for 5K, hilux (G series) is overkill
F series is also overkill (4AGTE powah?)
T series would do, and be ok for 4AG powah
even S series (throw away from spoontahs) would be find for K engine.

any diff will need to be set up for the leaf springs, and maybe shortened.
you might be able to get away with slightly wider diff, or different offset rear rims.

[A-to-B]

Right, so I thought, the Hilux may be overkill.
Is the R31 diff an option, strength and price wise?

I've been to two wreckers in town (Griffith), and contacted wreckers in Narrandera and Wagga, the closest towns. No luck yet, as most have squashed everything pre-1980.

The reason the Hilux came to mind was that a) there are a (just shy of) million of these diffs floating around my country area, and b) seem to be a tough option for older cars.

That Borg diff may be an option soon, if not I am considering welding it up!

[chris davey]

How did you get a Hilux LSD for $400 installed Emp?

Just whack another stock one in for sure. Diff conversions add up quick e.g. Hilux conversion I was going to do.

Drum to drum: $750 odd
new mounts to suit: $600
shortening: $150
brake lines (may need modification): Just got a small flexi piece for $50. $20 for fittings.
hand brake cable:?
tailshaft mods:?

Shouldn't be more than $100 max for a stock ke30 diff I reckon.

from memory, r31 diffs are 1470mm wide so definitely need shortening. Don't forget to work out the ratios that you need as having a strong diff is pointless if the ratios suck.

BTW know of any Hilux 4.1 centres around?

[emp?]

How did you get a Hilux LSD for $400 installed Emp?

Diff - $240
Hand Brake cables - $20
Welding - $20
Tailshaft mods and balance - $80

4.3 LSD ended up making me money, cause i bought front and rear diffs and sold the front for more than what I paid for the pair

[chris davey]

I don't know if I am getting ripped or you just get a mega bargain but that is bloody cheap for a hilux diff.

[Cuzzo]

Emp is the bargain king!

Dont go r31 unless you make 160kw or more.

Get ke55 diff and change your self. Or get a t-series. Good for about 120kw ATW.

[rob1]

I bought 2 rn25 hilux's for under $400. You can get $50 per car at the metal recyclers after you have removed the diffs.......

[A-to-B]

The wreckers quoted me $250 for a KE30 BW diff, IF they can find one. Sounds like I'm the one getting ripped.

*The KE55 option is interesting though, what is involved in that?

*And this may sound stupid, but what is a T-series from?

*Ratios available for these diffs?

Will need to handle a warm (intake, exhaust, cams, carbs) 5K or 2T-G and P-Plater driving. As a side note, what would one of these engines warmed be making? Surely not more than 120kw at the wheels?

[A-to-B]

Oh and as for Hilux 4.1 centres, considering most cars at the wreckers here are the venerable toyota workhorse, I'm sure there's almost any ratio.

I do live in hillbilly central sadly.

[BradW]

"T" series came in celicas. TA22 is the closest to the KE30 width wise but will need the mounts changed. RA28 is a little wider (still wont need shortening) and will also need mounts changed to suit the rolla. I have read that RA28 diffs are a bit stronger than the TA22 ones but I don't know how true this is. I am going to use a TA22 diff in my KE30 with 4age (if I ever get it finished ).

KE55 diff will bolt straight in with no mods but you may also need the KE55 tailshaft as well.

[emp?]

Emp is the bargain king!

haha cheers
well being in a country town helps, people are tight ass's and it helps with local pricing thats for sure