Samurai 86-88.5 lockrite locker

[Phizinza]

Just wondering why the Lockrite 1510 locker only fits the front of the 86-88.5 model Samurai's? What makes these years different to older or newer?

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by Phizinza

Just wondering why the Lockrite 1510 locker only fits the front of the 86-88.5 model Samurai's? What makes these years different to older or newer?

Should be 85-88.5 (Samurai was first offered to US market in 85)

The front differential in the 'older' (85-88.5) Samurai had what was refered to as a 4-pin differential. The 1510 is designed for that 4-pin differential. See the pic below from Spidertrax:
Lock-Right 1510 Locker

You can see how it was designed for a cross pattern (4-pin) diff.

When putting a lockright into the 'newer' model (90-95) it has always been suggested that you find the older moder diff and use it. The newer models had a 2-pin differential that was not as strong. The older diff is a bolt in upgrade, no adaptors, no problems.

*NOTE*
4-pin refers to the number of ends that are visible at the sides of the diff casing, not the actual number of pins (as seen above, there are actually only 3)
2-pin refers to the actual number of ends visible (although it really only has a single pin visible at both ends).
Confused? Welcome to the addiction.

[Phizinza]

Thank you.
So the only difference is the amount of pins? The side gears are the same and all? Just weaker because of only having two pin?

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by Phizinza

Thank you.
So the only difference is the amount of pins? The side gears are the same and all? Just weaker because of only having two pin?

I want to say yes, basically the same, but with my luck it isn't... I will check the old parts bin when I get home.

I make it a rule to swap out the lighter 2-pin diffs for the more reliable 4-pin models for all the zooks I have built - especially if they are getting lockers. So I have a few in the bins.

[Pilsner Pig]

The flange size may be different. I had to swap my old Driveshaft flanges on to my new 3rd members. Otherwise it bolted right in.

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by Pilsner Pig

The flange size may be different. I had to swap my old Driveshaft flanges on to my new 3rd members. Otherwise it bolted right in.

The Samurai had two different flange sizes. Unfortunately, that was one of the parts that changed over the 88-88.5-89-90 model years. The lines just used the small flanges until they were used up and then they switched to the large pattern. The thing is, they didn't all change at once. You can find either size of flange on any model from 88 to 90. The good part is that they are all interchangeable. If you get a late model set of flanges (stronger/larger bolts) they will fit an older model Sammy (as long as you also swap to newer shafts). Some aftermarket vendors use newer flanges drilled to except either bolt pattern.

[alternator]

I'm new in the forum, just got me a Suzuki Samurai 91 model and I'm currently giving it a nice paint job and will be doing some nice upgrades to it soon.

What your saying sounds a little wierd. The spider side gears in the diff definitely need three pins, not two, to operate properly. How can you operate them with only two gears?

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by alternator

What your saying sounds a little wierd. The spider side gears in the diff definitely need three pins, not two, to operate properly. How can you operate them with only two gears?

As written above:
------------------
*NOTE*
4-pin refers to the number of ends that are visible at the sides of the diff casing, not the actual number of pins (as seen above, there are actually only 3)
2-pin refers to the actual number of ends visible (although it really only has a single pin visible at both ends).
Confused? Welcome to the addiction.
------------------

[Phizinza]

Can anyone please post a picture of what a Sierra/Samurai diff looks like inside the carrier?

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by Phizinza

Can anyone please post a picture of what a Sierra/Samurai diff looks like inside the carrier?

This is what is known as a 4-pin carrier. (Remember, 4 ends visible outside the carrier)
Although this is a single picture, it is easier to understand the workings by reading the whole article... Stock Sidegears