Topic: Cruiser 3rd in Mini Rear?

[snowplow]

hey guys, I am looking for some info on cruiser 3rds. I have heard that they or some have 9.5" ring gears and I am told that some also have the same 30 spline as a mini. A dude just told me you could swap in those 3rds into a 8" housing. Im down for any mods neccessary mods, just wondering if its true or possible or any other options... If I could put a cruiser 3rd in a mini housing it would end up very close to a Ford 9"- but better! 

I have a high pinion e locker one in the front of mine, but that must just be an 8" I think. I think the ones I am looking for are different.

[fj-rankenstein]

the cruiser third is quite a bit bigger than the mini 8 inch...unless there is some new fandagled technology out there that can make it easy to do i dont think it can happen... I am looking at the two parts in question and i dont think its possible..

 I have heard of people making an adapter plate though and fitting a mini 8inch into a cruiser housing...  the tubes are a bit thicker and less prone to bending...

[snowplow [OP]]

Just how much bigger? Could the diff cover be cut off and redone to clearance? Is the mounting flange close? Thanks for the help

[79coyotefrg]

are you busting rear thirds  ??  cause ive only known one guy that busted a 3rd and he was near vertical  on one rear tire  at full throttle when his 36 Irok  grabbed a rock

for the record your "cruiser" front  elocker  is  a FJ80  elocker,   when you say cruiser  you must be specific,  cause it sounded like you meant the old FJ40 cruiser that did have a big 9.5 ring gear,  the fj40 third  WILL NOT fit in a pickup diff housing,  and the  fj40 rear housing is offset  so  that wont work either

[WHITE_TRASH]

The name escapes me but there is a company out there making centered rear housing that use mini shafts and a large cruiser diff....


Glen you must not get out much....  I've busted an even dozen 3rd's in the past 5 years.....   Granted 11 of those were in the V8 truck but still.. 

[snowplow [OP]]

Yep my front is a FJ80 which must have the 8" ring. I havnt broke 3rds. Just kinda wondering because I have a big v8 going back into it soon. I have heard of quite a few ring or pinion failures and was just trying to get an idea of what would be the next step if it happens to me. My truck doesnt really get beat offroad too much anymore, but when I drive it it gets hammered pretty good. I was figuring lots of power big tires and pavement would probably be a bad recipe for my ring gear. Sounds like the FJ40 center is a no go. I was just kinda hoping it was an option.

[snowplow [OP]]

Diamond makes them but they are at least 700 bucks. Im not sure that would be worth it considering I could run a 66-77 Bronco 9" rear that is super close to the correct lenth and have 6 bolt 35 spline axles for around 500

[79coyotefrg]

The name escapes me but there is a company out there making centered rear housing that use mini shafts and a large cruiser diff....


Glen you must not get out much....  I've busted an even dozen 3rd's in the past 5 years.....   Granted 11 of those were in the V8 truck but still.. 

see

[WHITE_TRASH]

If your going to drop a V8 in front of a yota axle for the love of God don't power shift or put a ridiculous shift kit in an auto....  Both will rip rear diffs out like no other... Go ahead, ask me how I know... 

[Toy1]

A friend of my did use a LC 60 front diff on his LC 80 front axle,but it was a lot of work
Why don't you get the new Tundra rear axle,do a little narrowing  and then you have 10,5 

[snowplow [OP]]

seems like for the strength you get for the money a ford 9 would be the way to go.

[Yoat Goat]

You have a couple options,  1980-19xx(fine spline pinion instead of a coarse spline, its stronger) FJ60 9.5" ring gear and get a diamond axle housing  , go 9"  , or get a 60  .

[79coyotefrg]

Jeep wagoneer rear axle,  its a dana 44 comes factory with 6 lugs