FORUM CLASSIFIEDS DIFFLOCK.com Links & Networks
Forum Homepage
Log in
Profile
Search
Private Messages
Forum Members
Register
Classified Ads
Search Ads
Place New Ad
My ads
Place your classified
ads here for FREE
NB: Adverts placed in the general
forum areas will be deleted
Difflock Homepage
Online Shop
Contact Us
FAQ
Calendar
Garage
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Advertise With Us - Reach your target market by advertising on the Difflock.com forum.
Click here or call 0845 125 9407


Welding up Diff's of small vehicles
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Difflock Forum Index -> 4x4s
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
eddythespade
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 Nov 2010
Odometer: 45




PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:06 pm    Post subject: Welding up Diff's of small vehicles Reply with quote

Hiya guys,

New to the site but really interested in what you are saying about welding the rear diff on smaller 4x4's.

Im currantly looking at a Niva in dorcherster to purchase and use as a night time vehicle for pest control on farm land.

I also had another idea. Slightly off track but would a Fiat Panda or Seat Marbella respond in much the same way. The Fiat Panda 4x4 is ment to be a pretty good off roader but a decent one is rare and expensive. So if I got a hold of a normal model and welded up the rear diff it should in theory be a half decent farmland motor.

It will be used mainly off road but I will need to commute the 5miles or so there and back.

Now I know its a not the strongest of vehicle parts compared to a landy, but with only a few horse power from a 900-1000cc engine I think they might last a while.

Would be really interested to hear any comments.

Great site and keep it going..........

all the best,

Eddy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
simonallen
Off-Road Guru


Joined: 05 Jan 2006
Odometer: 1019
Location: In the s**t most of the time...


1997 Lada Niva

PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 9:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Firstly, a welded diff on the road no matter how short a distance it will be driven is a no-no. people here who weld diffs, including those in tha lada section which you posted in as well do so on off road only vehicles only. Steering and handling is greatly compromised.
Secondly, do you mean a normal model as in not a 4x4? if so then they are front wheel drive and don't have a rear diff to weld up anyway Smile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Jack Tatty
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 16 Jan 2010
Odometer: 2150
Location: Langholm, Scotland


1991 Suzuki Samurai

PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 9:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

yes, cant agree more. i took my zuke with a welded diff a mile down the road to winch out a car in a ditch when it was icy, and i would have bin better off driving a scooter, but off road, yes, brilliant (touch wood not broken anything yet)

out of interest, what pests are they?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger
cai876
Just got MTs


Joined: 29 Jul 2008
Odometer: 110




PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 10:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you got a part time 4x4 and freewheeling hubs at the front, you could jus weld the front diff up and just unlock the front hubs when you need to go on the road.
A fiat panda is normally front wheel drive until you engage 4wd, so you could weld the rear diff on that (providing that you used freewheeling hubs.

__________________________________
1994 Isuzu Trooper 3.1TD 143,000 miles - Dead

2000 Suzuki GV2000 with VW 1.9TDI conversion - Goes like stink and does a million miles to the gallon
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
mudplugga
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 23 Oct 2004
Odometer: 2798
Location: Shropshire mostly, and Mid Wales



PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 11:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

there was a local shoot that used an old Fiat Panda as their general hack to run around the estate.

They had welded at least one diff and fitted the car with wheels and tyres off a quad, they were over a foot wide.
The damn thing went anywhere they pointed it! Laughing

__________________________________
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337

"Roof, doors, wheels. It's the way I drive."
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
scut44
Guest








PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Confused
I could never weld the rear diff on the Pandas i have owned as play things (for my children) because they had a dead rear axle
& didnt have a rear diff,
that was both the leaf & later coil sprung ones.

They were front wheel drive.
They went just about every place the Sisley i had went, (it had a rear diff being 4WD) untill it came to climbing out of track ruts etc.
I think a Fiat Uno is better with a bit more go & height.
A Fiat Strada 1500cc is great if still solid.

Where was a welded diff going to help you if there is no ground clearance?
A bit scarce on the ground rear wheel drive small cars for 'much cheapness'.
& a shame to use a classic escort or the like as a farm hack, i imagine a MOT'able one is too expensive anyway.
Volvos are quite good if not a bit heavy.

Are you not better just using an old FWD Fiesta or something, they go just about anyplace.
A little bit of throttle & use of the handbrake will normally get you where you want to SPAM you are using your bonce & picking your route.

A £350-£500 Vitara might be a better choice of vehicle tho,
i even see Troopers with MOT's for sale at £600 or so.
Or find an old Subaru estate or even a Justy.
With the Justy go for an automatic with its magnetic lock automatic box, loads of fun IMO.
george

.
Back to top
aopoleyin
Articulating


Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Odometer: 712
Location: Correze, France


1989 Jeep Cherokee

PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

2wd Pandas, 205s, Citroen AX or C15 van, Renault 5 etc.

If it's small and front wheel drive, it'll go most places with a bit of skill.


The C15 and Express are the favoured hunting vehicles around here, they were available in 4x4 versions, but the vast majority are just 2wd with a pair of grasstrack tyres fitted to the front.

They're sufficently underpowered and light that you're unlikely to break anything when stuck.

__________________________________
1989 Renault XJ Cherokee TD
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
4x4maddog
Articulating


Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Odometer: 812
Location: edinburgh


1993 Suzuki Vitara

PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

think george is on to a good point just pick up a cheap vitara will do the job no problem

know a mole guy that runs a jimny just airs down his tyres and goes most places Very Happy

__________________________________
ITS ONE LIFE, DRIVE IT!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
eddythespade
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 Nov 2010
Odometer: 45




PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers guys for the replies.

I have been looking on the lada thread still thinking that I had insulted you guys or something. lol

The pest im after are rabbits as I use dogs. It is illegal to hunt anything other than a rat or a rabbit with a dog nowadays. As I work in a hospital its important that I stay inside the law so i guess driving on road with a welded diff is a no-no too.

The Mrs drives the trooper but she hates it when she gets into it and its covered with fur and blood. SO I have been banned from using it.

This is a pic of my ferreting buddies disco after a day out.


I used to have a sportrak but the fuel economy was awful in it.


So I was thinking about a small motor that I could creep around farms and fields with picking up the bunnies but still use after a carwash elsewhere.

I really didnt know that fiesta made a 4x4. That sounds fab. Will do some research on the other models.

Please keep the comments coming.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
harris
Gate Opener


Joined: 01 Nov 2007
Odometer: 45
Location: Derbyshire.



PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fronteras are cheap and capable offroad and are reliable if you get a decent one, can pick decent ones with mot and tax up for around £500
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
scut44
Guest








PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I didnt mean Ford made a 4wd Fiesta,
i was meaning that a small front wheel drive car would do as well as your idea of a rear wheel drive Fiat Panda with a welded diff.

george

.
Back to top
Jack Tatty
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 16 Jan 2010
Odometer: 2150
Location: Langholm, Scotland


1991 Suzuki Samurai

PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

its not illegal, just not recommended to drive with a welded diff, and if its on the road, you had ought to notify the insureres
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger
clbarclay
Off-Road Guru


Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Odometer: 1779
Location: Worcesterhire


1987 Land Rover Range Rover

PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We never had enough of a rabbit problem to need dogs or ferrets, myxie saw to that whenever there was too many of them. When they were doing well though we regularly used to shoot them for the pot. When I was young it used to be known as "grandads furry chickens" to get my sister to eat it, which just happened to contain lead shot. We used a VW caddy (pickup based on mk1 SPAM) a lot with straw bales roped on the back for the shooter to sit on or lean against. The driver just had to get the rabbits in the head lights and then go and pick up them up and put them in the back behind the bales.

The fwd caddy was completely standard with fairly bald tyres, but driven with common sense and a bit of momentum it could still get round most of the farm, but then its not too hill where we are. Beacuase of its light weight it actually paddled round the farm without making a mess better than the G wagon or series LRs could in marginal conditions.

__________________________________
The Lord helps them as helps them selves
and the Lord help them caught helping there selves.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
eddythespade
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 Nov 2010
Odometer: 45




PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rabbits around here are a huge problem as are the deer.




With the front wheel drive small cars such as the fiesta and alike, my Ltd understanding is that as soon as one wheel loses traction the car stops.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
scut44
Guest








PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smile
Correct, or correctish,
Dont sit spinning front wheels & its not a problem,
not a much as sitting spinning rear wheels.
I often end up reversing up slopes, out of soft ground/snow etc with 2wd vehicle & that can be front or rear wheel drive.

(but fwd never seems a problem with good tyres & knowings the limits,
& bit of throttle without being a hooligan, i tend to drive on tracks anyway,
cant afford to be stuck on my own in the deep stuff,
just seems easier to me to keep momentum with front rather than rear wheel drive only.
i do most often have my jimny's in rear wheel drive only, with or without lockers /traction aids fitted, using 4wd doesnt ensure not getting stuck, but i would go to 4wd in any situation i thought that was required to get through or up/down stuff safely)

But then normally with most 4x4's or a 2wd with welded diff,
when 2 wheels loose traction the car stops.

So where do you stop spending money?
Locking diffs of both axles & then if they loose traction, 3 driven axles.
So that brings as to specialist vehicles,
Agrocats etc.
My shooting career started in mini pickups (fwd) & anglia vans (rwd), & they did just fine.
My current cheap buy would be a Vitara, & this has done me OK in the past.
A Toyota Surf can be a good option, heavy on fuel, but then just do some more hunting.
Whats the difference really between 25 miles to the gallon or 35 MPG,
notworth bothering about compared to the price of Amo/cartridges.
Off road you count the Gallon to the 1/2 hour in my experience.
When parked the engine does no milege.

You seem to be doing just fine.
From you OP i thought you were looking for a cheap/light option of a vehicle.
I didnt understand your requirments, when you asked about welded diffs & 2 wd cars..

I know with one bag like yours on a regular basis,
i would consider 'for me' a decent 4x4 an essential investment that will pay itself back many times.
Funnily the people i shoot/fish with do just fine without 4x4's or anything fancy.

happy hunting.
george

.
Back to top
Twiss
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 18 Feb 2008
Odometer: 6438
Location: Birkirkara, Malta


1993 Suzuki Samurai

PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 11:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd be looking towards a vit as well I think...

Quite cheap, parts can be acquired quite cheap, comfy-ish if you need to drive it on the road ever...

I think a major selling point for shooting would the the soft top, makes the car a good shooting platform!

__________________________________
Twiss
'95 Samurai 416 16v
'92 Maruti Gypsy MG410
www.suzukiclubuk.co.uk
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
CoupeUK
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 May 2010
Odometer: 24




PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My Disco will be getting a welded rear diff next year, its used for 70% on road and 30% off....always seem to get cross axled at pay and plays so that's my reasons behind it.

I have a BMW as my daily driver, the diff will be getting welded up on that for the winter months for drifting Laughing

Loads of my friends have welded diffs on their road cars, the only problems found are low speed cornering tends to scrub the tyres a little but its not too drastic to be totally against it....
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
scut44
Guest








PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smile CoupeUK
Each to their own.
'Drifting' usually proves much easier, controlable & much cheaper in the long run with a LSD or Spool.


Idea Confused
Ever noticed or wondered why people with Locking Diffs in their 4x4's dont drive around Pay & Plays with the lockers 'in' all the time,
or why they dont keep them locked on the road?
george

.
Back to top
CoupeUK
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 May 2010
Odometer: 24




PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 3:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

s44gtw wrote:
Smile CoupeUK
Each to their own.
'Drifting' usually proves much easier, controlable & much cheaper in the long run with a LSD or Spool.


Idea Confused
Ever noticed or wondered why people with Locking Diffs in their 4x4's dont drive around Pay & Plays with the lockers 'in' all the time,
or why they dont keep them locked on the road?
george

.


For my particular application, it would cost me over £500 to have a LSD built as there isnt one availabe off the shelf.
I can take it to a friend of a friend who will weld it as a drive in drive out for £60, couple that to the fact of chewing through 15" partworns every few weeks, its outweighed itself lol
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
eddythespade
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 Nov 2010
Odometer: 45




PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 3:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers guys for all your input.

I dont really mud slog it like on a pay and play day. Just more skit round the edges of fields. The worst bit is always the gate lol. Once im 50ft past the gate things tend to be easy.

Im hearing you with the Vitara suggestion, but i have this idea of a fiat panda type vehicle in mind. God knows why.

But ultimately, it will all boil down to cost.

Those UNO 4x4's on youtube seem to be the thing. Maybe I should keep it simple and just stick with a "Justy" or something similar.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
GVstu
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 05 Mar 2008
Odometer: 2314
Location: Northumberland



PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Get a cheap Vitara.

Thousands of soft top Vit's compared to the hard top version pleanty of choice on eblag, soft top always put me off for those cold winter months, but then again my mrs doesn't like me shooting anymore so I gave it up.

My mate has a Vit and it seems pretty capable for what it is, maybe not as much grunt as some other stuff around there but it's always down to application. I'd say you'd spend as much faffing around with something turning it into something that works as a shooting platform than just buying one off the shelf as it were.

__________________________________
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand; And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
eddythespade
Gate Opener


Joined: 12 Nov 2010
Odometer: 45




PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2010 8:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

im hearing you guys with the vitara suggestion.

I was just looking on E-blag and the Kia 4x4 thing looks cheap enough. Any one had any experience with those?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Nathaniel
Difflock Royalty


Joined: 13 May 2003
Odometer: 17901
Location: North, North Yorkshire


1979 Suzuki LJ

PostPosted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

How about buying a small trailer and a Quadbike? - too easy?


If you want a super 2wd Offroad vehicle

Citroen 2CV, brilliant machine, so light, not enough power to spin the wheels...
But they aren't cheap now

Either that or consider something rear engined, Fiat 126 BIS is damned cheap, bit low to the floor perhaps.

Beetles were always good offroad, but again are now either pricey or rotten...


My plan would be Pug 106 Diesel.

Pick the most agressive tyres you can find on here
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Wheels...tition_Tyres/1790

__________________________________
Nat

If You Open Your Mind Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website MSN Messenger eBay Name
Kitesurf
Difflock Royalty


Joined: 28 Feb 2005
Odometer: 14197
Location: Luton, Beds


1994 Toyota Surf

PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 12:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My brother and I drove a 1.1L VW SPAM round a muddy old quarry all day a few years ago, which was very slick clay in places. All my brother did was to put agressive tyres on the front. I think they were Kingpins. It was fun trying to take it everwhere that the landowner took his Landrover. Very Happy
__________________________________
Motorist who drove his 4x4 up Snowdon sentenced to appear on Top Gear.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
aopoleyin
Articulating


Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Odometer: 712
Location: Correze, France


1989 Jeep Cherokee

PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 8:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you can find one in the UK, the ideal choice would be a small 4x4 van, Citroen C15, Partner, Renault Kangoo etc.

Vitara commercial would be pretty good too.


Trying to think of small size, big load space, cheap to run and easy to keep clean inside...

__________________________________
1989 Renault XJ Cherokee TD
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ben_moto501
Just got MTs


Joined: 05 Mar 2010
Odometer: 294
Location: Taunton, Somerset



PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 6:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just buy the cheapest and lightest car you can get with tax and MOT... It'll do the job! If not, all those bunnies will get away!! Smile

Ben

__________________________________
Anyone with a Tirfor winch for sale??
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ben_moto501
Just got MTs


Joined: 05 Mar 2010
Odometer: 294
Location: Taunton, Somerset



PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 6:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

One other thing... With really small lightweight cars you will get better traction with narrower tyres!

Ben

__________________________________
Anyone with a Tirfor winch for sale??
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Jack Tatty
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 16 Jan 2010
Odometer: 2150
Location: Langholm, Scotland


1991 Suzuki Samurai

PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 8:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ben_moto501 wrote:
One other thing... With really small lightweight cars you will get better traction with narrower tyres!

Ben


i beg to differ in fields
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger
ben_moto501
Just got MTs


Joined: 05 Mar 2010
Odometer: 294
Location: Taunton, Somerset



PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't! Cool

Ben

__________________________________
Anyone with a Tirfor winch for sale??
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Jack Tatty
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 16 Jan 2010
Odometer: 2150
Location: Langholm, Scotland


1991 Suzuki Samurai

PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

its a field, its not as if he needs to sink though 6" of mud to get to the aggregate
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail MSN Messenger
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Difflock Forum Index -> 4x4s All times are GMT - 12 Hours
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot post calendar events in this forum
Specialist Tools

Adrian Flux 2023

Oil Safe

Facebook

Service Kits

Join our mailing list for upcoming events, special offers, discount coupons and expert advice on the latest 4x4 products!

* indicates required





    
Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group