so Zuk axles are 26 spline... Isn't that the same as 96 Sportages? I seem to remember reading the 96 are 26 spline and newer are 28... Maybe older Sportages could use something like that?

If my '99 is any indication, it looks like all sportage [color:"blue"]FRONT [/color] axles are 26 spline while the [color:"blue"]REAR [/color]changed from 26 to 28 splines in '97.

BTW, I may have a Torsen LSD in the front of my Sportage in a few weeks if things work out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am not sure about the 96 (26 splines) but my dealer quoted under $450 for the whole third member with LSD and ring and pinion for my '99 (28 splines). It was less than $10 more than the LSD alone.

Is this pre-assembled so I could pretty much bolt it on? I know normally installing an LSD diff is a big deal because you have to balance it or tune it somehow, I don't even know, but something like a pre-assembled axle with LSD in it would kick butt.

Also I am not clear on what "third member" means, we are talking about the rear, right?

I got an Eaton LSD for my 26 spline '96 Kia for 450 about 3 years ago. The truth is that it works really nice. I don't know how many splines in the front diff, but a limited slip for the front would really add a lot of traction to the very capable Sportage. I've been thinking about bikini doors and bikini rear latch, that would really take a lot of weight off the truck. My only worry is safety on the HY and noise from high speeds. But it would really add to the off road capability.

The "third Member" is the front part of the axle housing that holds the pinion , the diff (or LSD), the ring gear and a few bearings. The gear backlash should already be set up. I think Kia calls it "GEAR ASSY-DIFFERENTIAL".

I did a quick look at the KIA parts web site and they show the '96 "GEAR ASSY-DIFFERENTIAL" to be about $500 more than the '99 "GEAR ASSY-DIFFERENTIAL". I wonder which price is wrong???

OK............Can we get back on track here!

Sorry to hijack the thread but this is about ARB FRONT diff lockers.......

What I would like is between 5-10 firm orders with the ARB headquaters within the next few days to prove our worth as a group. This is likely to be our one and only shot...if we put it off (can't afford it/wifes birthday/holiday money/other excuses) we may put ourselves in the position of not being taken seriously by ARB again. We MUST show them we mean business.

I'm fronting up to HQ on Tuesday with the money, all of it. (note that they have not confirmed that they will make it yet, but it HAS TO BE FINACIALLY VIABLE for them, so cash up front should help, along with my vehicle as a test bed.)

Confirmation of orders with ARB HQ and with your local ARB distributor (give them the HQ contact details) and maybe the offer of a deposit may be the way to go.

I am sorry to be so passionate and such a PITA about this, but this is what we have been after for a LOOOONG time.

Rear locker will follow IF WE CAN GET ARB to take us seriously.

Stop dreaming and start doing...............Procrastinate your procrastination.

Just recieved an email from Daniel Bongard:

--------------

Hi Gary,

I have your diff sample and I will have it measured to put through our database to match it against current designs.
The fact that you claim the spline to be Ï27 x 28 tooth suggests that this is a spline that we have not previously tooled up for.
Unfortunately the tooling to cut a side gear spline is a very expensive unit that we have custom made for us overseas, which means that a diff model would have to represent a significant number of sales in order for us to break even on the upstart costs.

In other words, you may need to find several KIA mates willing to commit to a purchase.

I'll keep you posted on what I find.

Best regards,

daniel

====================================================
Daniel J Bongard (MEng)
====================================================
Engineering Supervisor
ARB 4x4 Accessories, AUSTRALIA
http://www.arb.com.au
Email: dbongard@arb.com.au
Tel: +61 (3) 9761 6622
Fax: +61 (3) 9721 9415
====================================================

Everybody PLEASE email him.

ok...so the 96 is 26 spline and the zuki is 26 spline...
are they compatable???

would a lock right 26 spline zuki locker fit the 96 sportage 26 spline?????

only way to tell is by fitting it.