Part-time 4wd conversion to 80 series

Try Michael Clode at Armadale 4wd Service Centre - www.armadale4wd.com.au email info@armadale4wd.com.au
He did the conversion on his 80 series about 5 years ago, so he should be able to give you good feedback. If you're in WA he'll probably do the conversion for you too. (I am in no way connected with Armadale 4wd Service Centre and I get no back-handers for referring people to him).
Cheers,
Alex

G'day.
If you're in Vic, try Total Traction Drivelines in Moorabin.
Fantastic place, very knowledgeable due to working at diff-lock manufacturer - Jack McNamara.
Just had him fit a TJM locker to my 80 and l know he will have the answers.

IMHO, the backlash is a combination of centre diff, driveshafts & uni's, but mainly front axle diff pinion, cv balls wearing channels in the cv outerand especially the drive flanges worn out.

Cheers
BoB

Brett,

I am looking at the same converstion for my 1996 80 Series. I was recently in Bendigo Victoria and spoke to a salesman at ARB. He said he could do the converstion for around $1,200. He said the converstion would save a few mile per gallon, but would not commit to any real figures or provide any details. On their web site, Armadale 4WD Service Centre quote a fuel saving of 10% after the conversion (http://www.armadale4wd.com.au/products/part.htm). I have made inquiries with Brett at "On Track 4WD" 66 Moss Street, Slacks Creek Brisbane Ph 3290 2533, regarding the conversion, but I am still waiting a responce! Goodluck, I hope you find someone who has had the conversion done, I would be very interested to hear there opinions. As a side note, have you looked at Vaporate Fuel Saving System available from Repco???

Brett,

Had my '94 Petrol 80 series done just before Xmas and so far very pleased with the result. I originally took the car in to address a worsening transmission snatch problem and was advised to go for the part time conversion. Cost about $1300 and has certainly had a positive impact on fuel consumption as well as eliminating the ugly snatch. Granted, it will take a long time to make up the $1300, but it would have cost me about that to fix the problem and restore the original configuration anyhow. The car seems lighter to steer and a bit more enjoyable to drive.

Now the centre diff lock button engages 4wd and , of course, the hubs need to be locked. 4wd still engages automatically on selecting low 4. Only disadvantages are:

- Getting out of the car to lock hubs (very uncivilised but the kids have become experts at it on demand)

- Cost (but sounds like you are up for repairs anyhow)

- Centre diff lock now taken out of play. I guess that this makes the vehicle slightly less capable as the car now has a permanent limited slip centre diff (no expert on this but I believe that this is the way it now works).

The only other issue I have found is that it has also accentuated (but not worsened) some slop in my rear diff. I need to have this fixed but would have to have done it anyhow before we dissappear on the round Australia jaunt in the second half of this year.

Overall, very happy with the result. Not such a problem with the diesel, but anything I can do to reduce petrol consumption in mine is welcome.

Hope this helps,

Matt.