In everything I have read, 95-97 2wd/4wd and manual/auto in the US are all the same.

The same goes for 98+
The differences are larger bearings, axles, and higher spline count on the 98+.

Does anyone have any different experiences?

Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Everet, I concur with your findings. The '98+ rear axles have larger drums brakes and use the A10 bearing set, versus the A9 bearing set on the pre-'98, 26 spline axles. The axles are really the same. Kia just left more meat on the '98+ axle shafts at the splines and the bearing journals. The shafts look identical when laid side-by-side otherwise. But that has to make them a wee-bit stronger than the 26 spline axles. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I have verified a new source for the Track Finder lockers. The seller is the same guy selling the 5.38 ring gear and pinions for the front and rear axles of the Sportage (1st gen - Thanks Chris, AKA 4Runnernomore!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />). You can contact him by email at [email]picorp@hanmail.net.[/email] He is in South Korea and ships the parts from there. Here's the response I received from him this morning regarding the lockers. The info below is redundant to my post in the 5.38 R&P thread, but has been added here because it is directly-relevant to this thread...

"REGARDING LOCKER FOR YOUR FRIEND,
THE LOCKER IS DIFFERENT AS PER BELOW DETAILS.
...FRONT 26 SPLINE LOCKER
...REAR 26 SPLINE LOCKER
...REAR 28 SPLINE LOCKER

THE PRICE IS SAME AS U$409.00 (locker only) PER EACH 1 SET.
IF IT IS SUPPLIED BY ASSEMBLY WITH DIFFERENTIAL CASE,
THE PRICE IS U$569.00 PER EACH 1 SET.

REGARDING PAYPAL FEE OF U$21.00
IT WILL BE ADDED PER EACH PAYMENT FROM THIS TRADE
WHEN WE RECEIVED THE PAYPAL AMOUNT, THIS COST WAS DOWNED AS PAYPAL FEE."


I don't think the 26 spline locker for the rear is available, just the 28 spline rear and 26 spline front lockers. If you can get the locker only, that's likely the better way to go because it will reduce the cost of shipping compared to the locker+carrier. However, the assembled locker is convenient because they provide the carrier, new bearings and thrust washers, and the locker is installed correctly with all clearances for the ratcheting mechanism dialed in. All you have to do is bolt on the ring gear and drop it in the diff housing. I'm not sure what it would cost to have a local mechanic install one. But when you factor in the cost of parts with labor... and the accessibility to the thrust washers (likely a dealer-only part), the cost may be comparable. The downside is that you'll pay more for shipping.

It sounds like he will add a $21 fee for service per item purchased. That's not unreasonable, in my opinion. I think I payed the eBay seller $70 US for his services. But he did a lot of back and forth between me and MasterJeep to get the job done, which I felt justified his compensation. I suspect the guy and PICORP will probably be more efficient and the end-cost will be a bit better. Regardless, he can get lockers!!!