While some may say has NO MERIT or Nothing New HERE...

I needed a set of manual hubs so I got a set from Shannon from a Sport that "needed" them under warranty.

While looking at them, I thought the spline looked familiar. So I grab a Zook 26 spline axle and stick it in. Voila! The hub is the same spline count as Zook.

Hmmm...

What does this mean? Well, who made the axles? Was it an AISIN creation? If so, that would make sense. I see most year Sports use a 26 spline axle shaft. That *may* mean the side gears could be interchangable, which could mean that a lunchbox locker (ie. Lock-Right, EZLocker) may be able to fit.

No, Zook hubs won't fit. The bolt pattern is much bigger than that the Spurt.

I also notice Kia when to a 28 spline axle, as did Suzuki with the newer Grand Vitaras and XL7s. Could this be the same 28spline as well. Of course, ARB makes lockers for the 2005+ 28spline Zook, but not Kia.

At least, Zook CVs may apply to a Kia, or a Kia CV apply to a Zook, in a fabfest sorta way.

BTW - Why doesn't ARB make an Air Locker for Kias?

I believe all the Kia Sportage front were 26 spline from 1995 - 2002. Rears only changed to 28 spline.

I don't know the origin of the Zuks axles but the Sportage are from Mazda. Alot of makes use the same loocking hubs but that does not mean the inside of the axle are the same. I crossed referanced part numbers and the front is the same as the Miata with the exception of gear ratio and the rear is the same as the RX7 with the exception of gear ratio. I will be trying a Miata LS as soon as my boys freind is done with it. He is building a 302 for it and will use a 8.8 rear IRS. If a Zuk locker would fit that would be great but it would take someone with both vehicles to try it, if it does'nt fit the Sportage put in in your Zuk.
Dennis

Plot thickens...

Some fellow zookers are helping me out with this. Kia 4 speed auto appears to be the same AISIN/Werner tranny used in the Sidekick/Vitara/GV/XL7, Toy Celica, and some Volvos.

This is a good thing. Why? More options.

The Sidekick t-case will mate up. 3 different 4.+:1 t-case gears are available.

OTT Kicker 3 adapter will allow the Kick case as an 1.81:1 underdrive into a Toy t-case. Will go nicely into Toy solid axles.

Another option? The Volvo 4-spd. Same tranny, but not electronically controlled. Makes swapping in an auto easier. Plus, it's fixed flange (no slip yoke) so it's easier to install a divorced t-case of your choosing.

Another option? Since the bellhousings can swap, Toy, Volvo, Zook motors can "bolt-in".

Another option? AXIS POWERS motor kits allow VW diesel motors to slip in to a Zook's bellhousing. Imagine a VW turbo-diesel under the hood?

Will keep ya'll updated.

Zook axles are made by AISIN, with shafts and CVs made Birfield-NTN, as are Nissan, Toy and Subie.

Mazda doesn't make axles, nor does Ford. Companies such as Dana, Spicer, Borg, Warner, AISIN and just a few others make all the factory axles in the world. And even these guys use subs for certain millwork (like how Dana buys shafts from Foote). Some exceptions are GM and Chrysler axles known as Corps. They did that because Dana was favoring Ford in price & delivery time.

Which leads to the question, who builds the axles FOR mazda & kia.



No doubt. Toys, Izuzus and Zooks are all made by AISIN, only the spline count changes. Kia uses Warn, which makes since as thats who makes ford hubs.

But it's the spline count that matters, as swapping and tinkering becomes possible .



Nope, just the sidegear to compare the two to see if anything is possible.



No thanks. Friends don't let friends install lunchbox lockers. lol

Just got a response from the Zook board.



Kickers and Sports have the same AISIN/Werner tranny. This is good. If AISIN was in on the tranny, good chance drivetrain was sourced from them as well.

Ah...hold it. Yes, the Sportage uses an Aisin-Warner auto. But according to the FSM it's a model AW372LE, not an A46DE.

Dunno what the differences are.

And I have no doubt that Mazda/Kia probably sourced their axles from an Asian axle manufacturer.

The one big unknown is who supplied the transfer cases?

Not wanting to sound like an idiot here, but! Whats a Zook? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

Zook = Suzuki

Hmmm...conflicting data. Shannon said early Sports has a 3spd, then 4sd. Is the model you referenced a 3 speed?

This has been covered before. see link. What became of it?

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...&o=&fpart=4&vc=1