Pin things

[karloss]

Right then, silly question time. Why is a 4 pin diff a 4 pin diff? Where are these pins? How many pins does a "normal" diff have? Oh, lastly, what had 4 pin diffs as standard and how do you know youve got one without dismantling it?Answers on a postcard to the usual address.... Bonus prize for the person who guesses why I need to know!! :D

[karloss]

OK, guys, When I wrote answers to the usual address. That was a joke.  :D A little poor perhaps,  :oops: but, a joke. Has anyone got an idea about diffs and pins and stuff? :?:

[muddyweb]

The pins refer to the bits which hold the planet gears in the differential.  The standard diff has 2 planet gears and hence 2 pins to hold them in place.

A 4 pin diff has 4 planet gears, distributing the load across a greater number of teeth and making them essentially stronger and longer lasting.

IIRC, the Series 3 1 ton was fitted with a 4 pin diff in the front axle due to it's increased load carrying capacity.

Hope that makes sense.... if not I'll stick a piccy on which will explain it better  8)

[karloss]

Thanks Tim, I was beggining to think my sense of humour was too finely tuned/ too daft for my own good!! :oops: Did they fit these in V8 rangies at some stage? Only I've just bought said vehicle (on an X plate) and a mate reckons these should have 4 pin diffs as standard but I'm not convinced.

[muddyweb]

Not that I know of.  I guess Police Rangies might have had them fitted, but that's supposition.

:-)

[Xtremeteam]

the  only vehicle that came with 4 pin diffs as standard was V8 90's in the back axle,But all army 90's had 4 pin diffs front & rear  to make them squaddie proof.at the wknd a mate with a tomcat that has 4 pin diffs all round managed to break the flange clean off the diff,thats how strong they are.