Mitsubishi Challenger - help please...

Submitted: Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 15:00

ThreadID: 16917 Views:14966 Replies:8 FollowUps:7

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actionblokart.com

Greetings. I have a 1998 Mitsubishi Challenger PA 4WD automatic leaf-spring model with the 2H, 4H and 4L selectable gearstick.

However my model did not come with the rear limited-slip differential (optional as a package with ABS and cruise control).

I want to fit a limited-slip rear diff from another Challenger (2000 build with rear leaf-springs) that came with this option.

Can anyone tell me whether the rear diffs are totally interchangeable?

Is this a straightforward swap, or am I going to run into complications eg different tailshaft lengths etc?

My local Mitsubishi dealer wasn't sure (they don't do a lot of Challenger work). Maybe someone knows of a Mitsubishi Service Manager I can contact who really knows his way around 4WDs, and can set me straight!

My rear diff tag shows part number M67***(can't read the other numbers) and a ratio of 4.636

Or is there a better option (eg. a Detroit locker or a read LSD from a Pajero)? Unfortunately I cannot afford ARB air lockers, so I am looking for a more cost-effective solution.

Happy to correspond directly at dgolding01@optusnet.com.au if you prefer.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Dave
Sydney, NSW

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Reply By: time waster - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 15:54

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 15:54

You may a better option is to fit a rear diff lock more effective and may not cost that much more

AnswerID: 79496

Reply By: actionblokart.com - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 16:08

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 16:08

Cheers. However I don't understand the difference between a rear diff lock and a limited-slip diff?

AnswerID: 79499

Reply By: Bitsumishin - Mike (WA) - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 19:42

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 19:42

I'm certainly no mechanic, but I've just looked through the Workshop Manual and it indicates that all main parts are the same & you just replace the LSD parts with the existing parts. The LSD part looks like a sealed unit. I'd send you the relevant page but its in PDF on a disk & I don't know how to copy pages from a PDF file (appears to be protected)

AnswerID: 79519

Follow Up By: actionblokart.com - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 20:28

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 20:28

Gooday Bitsumishin,

Out of interest, what year is your Challenger?

Would you mind having a look to see whether your rear diff has a tag or label with the Mitsubishi part number on it?

I will send you a separate note about the Workshop Manual.

Cheers

Dave
dgolding01@optusnet.com.au

FollowupID: 338922

Follow Up By: Bitsumishin - Mike (WA) - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 20:37

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 20:37

Mines a '99 with the same part no as yours. I don't have LSD so I fitted Air Lockers

FollowupID: 338923

Reply By: Eric Experience. - Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 22:01

Saturday, Oct 09, 2004 at 22:01

Dave.
The diff do interchange without any problems, the oil is different thats all, the diff is triton, i think its the same ratio as the 2.5 diesel, the limited slip is very good in the triton, they lock well with just enough slip to allow normal stearing so in some ways they are better than an air locker. Eric.

AnswerID: 79532

Follow Up By: actionblokart.com - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 12:12

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 12:12

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your reply. Sorry to be picky, but out of interest have you done this conversion?

It's only that I want to be absolutely sure before I spend over nearly $900 on a 2nd hand Mitsubishi Challenger rear LSD diff.

Am I being over charged, or is this the going price?

Can anyone recommend a specialist 4WD diff installer?

Cheers
Dave
0413 743 872

FollowupID: 338983

Follow Up By: Utemad - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:08

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:08

$900 !!!!

You can get an auto locker for less or an air locker for not much more (plus the compressor of course).

FollowupID: 339017

Follow Up By: Eric Experience. - Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 at 23:40

Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 at 23:40

Dave.
To answer you question, no I have not done this conversion but the challenger is built from triton parts and the diffs are definately interchagable. The "gear type" diffs that Member Eric is talking about is a complete mistory to me, there is a torson gear type diff available in the pajero top of the range but it is a different ratio, and it is also a true locking type as fitted to the Paris to Dacka specials. The cost of a triton unit should be much less than $ 900 they are a clutch pack type and very similar to a nissan unit, they work very well. Eric.

FollowupID: 339505

Reply By: Member Eric - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 20:59

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 20:59

Dont waist your money on a challenger lsd . We have 3 challangers in our group . All have fitted diff locks . It will help with the limited front whell travel to keep forwad momentum . The LSD you mant to fit is a gear type . As usfull as tits on a bull

AnswerID: 79629

Follow Up By: actionblokart.com - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:44

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:44

Sorry guys, but as a newbe I am really confused.

Earlier 'Eric Experience' writes:

"Dave.
The diff do interchange without any problems, the oil is different thats all, the diff is triton, i think its the same ratio as the 2.5 diesel, the limited slip is very good in the triton, they lock well with just enough slip to allow normal stearing so in some ways they are better than an air locker. Eric"

Now 'Eric' (I assume not the same Eric) says to fit diff locks, as the optional Challenger LSD is "as usfull as tits on a bull."

So which way do I turn?

Eric, can you please find out exactly which diff locks are fitted on the Challengers in your group and let me know. Are you talking about ARB Air lockers or mechanical diff locks like Detroit lockers? I need to organise something before the end of this month as we are taking our scout group onto the sand dunes at Stockton Beach, so it is super urgent please. I can be reached at dgolding01@optusnet.com.au

HELP PLEASE!

Dave

FollowupID: 339022

Follow Up By: Member Eric - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 06:30

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 06:30

I dont want to go agains anyone here . I am only looking at what we have experienced . We have 3 Challengers in our crew . Now every time we go hard off road , we did see the challengers struggle due to the LSD not keeping both wheels turning. Now 2 out of 3 have fitted diff locks to the rear , well actually one has both front and rear. The diffrence is awsom. Tracks that they had to get snached from every time , they now do like theres no tomorrow. They fitted ARB lockers on theres .

LSD are just that Limited Slip Differential . These are not desighned or ment to give you a lock up in the rear .

Now I dont know what off roading you do . If you just do minor tracks , you will find that a LSD might be ok . If you start to mix it on the rocks and rough stuff . You will defenently need a locker .

FollowupID: 339031

Reply By: actionblokart.com - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:45

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:45

AnswerID: 79634

Reply By: actionblokart.com - Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:47

Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 at 21:47

Hi Utemad. Where can I get a auto locker for my Challenger?

Dave

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Utemad posted this followup

$900 !!!!

You can get an auto locker for less or an air locker for not much more (plus the compressor of course).

AnswerID: 79635

Reply By: actionblokart.com - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 08:29

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 08:29

Thanks Eric. I guess all that I am after is to get the best value for the money spent. Could you please forward my note onto the three Challenger owners as I would like to pick their brains if possible.

Thanks kindly

Dave

AnswerID: 79661