KZH106 Front differential identification (lockers anyone?)

Hi, i have. A 1994 super custom full time 4x4. I would love to add an e-locker to my front diff (As well as an LSD to the rear). The build plate only says: axle- g294 (8”). Am I to assume this is a reference to both front and rear? Someone else on here posted some heavy details on differentials that indicated the front should be a 7.5”, and if i recall that is consistent with 4 runners from the same era. But then why doesn’t the build plate reflect this? Are the internal ring and spider gears the same between 7.5 and 8” diffs?

In the full time 4wd system, with way the center diff works, a locking or LSD at either end doesn’t really have any effect. The LSD was only available on selectable 4WDs with a very different transfer case.

Pete_nz wrote:

In the full time 4wd system, with way the center diff works, a locking or LSD at either end doesn’t really have any effect. The LSD was only available on selectable 4WDs with a very different transfer case.

Are you sure about this? I just cant see how the F/R diffs would know about anything the center diff was doing.

It’s in the way the center diff works and sends its power to each end acting somewhat as a torsen diff. In general, if one of the output shafts (from the center diff) either front or rear spins faster than the other, proportionately more torque is sent to the one spinning slower.
I was maybe too general in my prev post comment tho’, the one situation where the van could poss have advantage with locker or lsd is when a single rear wheel of all 4 has grip.
There is a thread on the forum here that describes the function of the center diff of the full-time AWD system very well. Is has to be realised that it’s completely different from the transfer case of the selectable, part time 4WD systems.

Here’s that thread:
https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t3848-centre-diff-and-to-rear-air-locker-or-not?highlight=centre+diff+operation

I presume this other thread that lists the available diff and locking options available from the various Toyota models is the one your were referring to about the 7" diff comment:
https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t2911-toyota-hi-ace-axle-information?highlight=centre+diff+operation

I should clarify that while I am pretty certain that this is the case, I would love to hear reports of real world improvements made before and after fitting lockers or LSD. I have yet to get stuck anywhere in my van of 15 years. Well, apart from the frontal impact that's just written it off!

Ouch, sorry for your loss. Im starting to get the picture based on what you said and some others.
So if What you are saying is accurate, if I put this on a lift, and put it in drive, i should only see one of four wheels moving at any given time. The diffs and slippage will determine which of the 4 it will be?
Someone on pirate 4x4 forum https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/94-toyota-hiace-t-case-swap.1899873/#post-28652961thought the center diff was a chain drive unit which would make it locked, and if thats the case, that there should be one wheel in front and one in back with power.
Im still hoping someone has found that either it does work, or there is a hilux, or 4runner transfer case that can be bolted in with minimal retrofitting. I really want to get some traction.

Not sure if I'd deduce that myself but give it a go. I do know I've had all 4 wheels spinning with road tyres on muddy grass.

Interesting. Are these pretty commonly imported as new to NZ?

I wrote a reply in the below thread about how the viscous center diff in the 1KZ models works, hope this helps!

https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t3848-centre-diff-and-to-rear-air-locker-or-not

Interesting stuff guys. I' just working through these diff threads trying to figure out a clunk clunk in the rear. Not seeing much on that subjust but I'm enjoying getting slightly sidetracked.
I've got a G295 in my 94 auto full time with ~190 thou k's. I'm suspecting the LSD is worn /wearing out. Could it just be a bit dry?
I haven't gotten myself really stuck except for having to jack it off it's front lower arm the other weekend when I bellied it I would have thought the centre diff / LSD rear would have gotten me through but maybe it needs some work.
I'm running some 75 profile tyres with a mild lift but clearance still isn't great with that torsion bar set up.