Front diff collar?

Prospect62 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:53 pm

Hey guys, new to the KJ and came across this steel reinforcement ring for the aluminum front diff shaft input area. Did a search and found nothing on this topic in over a year. Did anyone ever produce these with the proper inside diameter for the KJ? Are they available for retail sale anywhere? Is the mod still considered useful?

Any info on the subject would be great. It seems like an awesome idea and I'd be interested in adding it to my to-do list.

Thanks guys.

2006KJSPORT4x4 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:22 pm

Here's a thread about a diff collar group buy that happened a couple of months ago...not sure if there is a link inn it to more information, but it gets discussed every now and again...

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... hp?t=20064

Endurance · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 4:55 pm

Just get you a front skid splate, you would accomplish two things at the same time.

moose · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:25 pm

I think it's further down on the list than skid plates and rock rails (or a locker & MT's). No one can prove that they are going to help, but it might, and if that gives you a comfort zone to take on that big rock - there you go.

Endurance · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:50 pm

There is one in the For Sale section

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2007 7:56 pm

Endurance wrote:

Just get you a front skid splate, you would accomplish two things at the same time.

The front skid plate won't stop the diff. from breaking. It comes from the pressure within from what I gather.

Terry

wolf4wd · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:18 am

Is there anyone out there that can tell me, for a fact, that this collar works? I realize the cost is not all that much, but then again, I have to pick and choose what I add to my Liberty. I don't want to spend roughly $100 on something that may be little more than a placebo.

I have searched the forums, but don't seem to be able to find any definitive reports of damage prevention due to the utilization of these collars. Don't misunderstand me. If these things work I will run out and get one ASAP! So, any guidance will be much appreciated.

moose · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:46 am

wolf4wd wrote:

Is there anyone out there that can tell me, for a fact, that this collar works? I realize the cost is not all that much, but then again, I have to pick and choose what I add to my Liberty. I don't want to spend roughly $100 on something that may be little more than a placebo.

I have searched the forums, but don't seem to be able to find any definitive reports of damage prevention due to the utilization of these collars. Don't misunderstand me. If these things work I will run out and get one ASAP! So, any guidance will be much appreciated.

It depends on what you mean by works. The diff collar SHOULD work to strengthen the aluminum housing in a weak area that has been known to fail under extream conditions. However, it's all about the force. When you poped your front end off the rocks and reved the engine, then came back down on the rocks, your wheels cought and there is a huge force in the system. Right now that force will cause your front diff to crack like an easter egg in the hands of a three year old. By using the diff collar, you SHOULD be able to transfer that energy to another part that may be able to accept that force (i.e., not made as cheaply), then again, you MAY just be trading one damaged external component for one+ damaged internal component...

Also, there aren't enough on the trail for "for a fact" yet, so strap one on and join the test crew :wink:

(and It should be closer to $50-60 too)

Maximum Carnage · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:45 am

I don't think anyone will be able to "guarantee" that it works to it's full potential. My thought is I'd rather spend $ rather than $$$ for the housing failer.

Prospect62 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:21 am

Maximum Carnage wrote:

I don't think anyone will be able to "guarantee" that it works to it's full potential. My thought is I'd rather spend $ rather than $$$ for the housing failer.

That was my logic. Did someone say there was one for sale here? I couldn't find it.

KJ04 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 3:16 pm

To date, there are no known housing failures with anyone using the collar, myself included. I am one of a handfull that have blown the housing, and ring&pinion in the past.

The collar reinforces the broken part at the rear of the housing where torque from the driveshaft is applied.

Well worth the money I paid for mine knowing that area is now stronger at least.

Will it still crack is a question people have been asking for about a year now, and as I stated: no know failures to date.

chefdab · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2007 4:24 pm

This is one of those things that works until it doesn't. You really can't prove that it works, only when it fails would you be able to prove it didn't. For the small investment, I would do it for the peace of mind.

Big D · **Joined:** Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:08 pm **Posts:** 349

Has anyone blown it with stock tire size? Could it be the extra momentum of the heavy wheels and tires that helps it explode?

wendell · **Posted:** Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:40 am

Can anyone be more specific where you can buy these collars ?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:58 am

People have exploded front diffs with stcok tires on what seemed fairly easy obstacles. It is probably from a "bad casting" and the collar puts some structure to the weakest (seemingly) part of the front diff. The collar fits over the "thinnest" tail of the diff...common sense says it can only help. If you still blow one up, it probably would have happenned anyway.

Prospect62 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:40 pm

wendell wrote:

Can anyone be more specific where you can buy these collars ?

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Part #60665K61, comes with a 3.5" inside diameter that you need to have machined out to 3.5625", or 3 9/16". You should be able to have this done at any machine shop in your local area. There are other places to get these and you will find them made of different materials, but to me this is the cheapest and best place to get them and steel is the stuff to use. Why reinforce aluminum with aluminum? Get the steel one. Part number above.

wolf4wd · **Posted:** Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:20 pm

Hello to all, especially Moose since he sort of put out the challenge after my questioning the "the true worth" of the collar.

So, Ok - Moose - I took up your challenge and ordered an aluminum collar today. I contacted Stafford Mfg, but they only sell through distributors - they gave me US Bearings & Drives here in the Portland, OR area. They don't stock, but found that Massachusetts has one (1) on the shelf. Cost: $92 plus shipping. Since I work 6 days a week, I asked for second day, about another $20, so that I can get it on this Thursday on my day off.

The past posts with photos and comments seem pretty straight forward. My only remaining question is regarding "locktite". is this a good idea, initially I would think so, but which version is best for this application. I suspect there is a fair amount of vibration on these collars so I wouldn't want to unknowingly lose it!

All of L.O.S.T. has always been so graciously helpful, I welcome any responses/suggestions to this post. BTW, I ran all over the web and could not find another collar closer in size than 3-1/2", so that is why I ended up with the Stafford Mfg part# 8A309.

Thanks again to all and I really hope this is a successful "fix" for us all.

darrel

Front diff collar?

Who is online