Help with rear differential...

[JCNiest5]

Okay, because of lack of knowledge in the differential area, for better or for worse, stupidity also plays a part in this. I purposely bought a tranny made for '92 Leggie and put it on my '91 Leggie. Now, with the rear wheels completely lock up when I drive in AWD. It drives ok in FWD (fuse inserted). I bought a '92 TCU, which makes it possible to drive in AWD without the rear wheels locking up, but it pulls bad to one side when accelerating.

This was done back in '05 and I've been driving all this time in FWD (95% of the time). Not knowing much about final drive ratio of each year, I thought it's just a matter of drop-in, bolt, and go. But now, as I read more about it and it's clear to me that the final drive gear ratio ('91's 4.111 vs. '92's 3.90) of each year's differential really play a major part of my problem.

My question is: To continue using the current tranny, but I want to make it so it won't lock up the two rear wheels, what do I need besides a new rear differential? Is a new drive line needed? What about the left and right rear axles/drive lines?

Please tell me I won't need too many parts. Poor man is very broke.

Thanks...

[AWD_addict]

Get a rear diff with the same final drive ratio as your transmission.

Pulling to one side is not likely related to final drive mismatch issues.

[JCNiest5]

Get a rear diff with the same final drive ratio as your transmission.

Pulling to one side is not likely related to final drive mismatch issues.

Thanks...will try to find one. What could be causing this pulling to one side? It pulls more/harder when in AWD, a little less in FWD mode.

Does final drive ratio affect the front two drive axles? I guess I'm pretty new to this drive ratio thing so I just don't understand how this works for both the front and rear drive axles. A little entertainment would truly be appreciated.

[JCNiest5]

Found one here locally for $95.00, is this a good price or should I continue to search for better price?

[Hocrest]

$95 isn't too bad. Especially since shipping one from somewhere else is going to cost $60+.

Pulling to one side when accelerating is torque steer, it happens in all FWD cars. It should go away when you get AWD back.

[JCNiest5]

Okay, I will go and pick up one tomorrow then. Thanks again...

[JCNiest5]

Okay, just an update, guys. It is done! It took me about six hours of work. I took my time, though. The now ex-differential looks to be in good working condition itself. No metal shaving of any kind in the fluid. In fact, the fluid looks to be as clear as when I put it in back in '05. Thanks for the info from this site, it wasn't as hard as I thought. I did it without taking off the cross member. Lowered the exhaust and that thing came tumbling down. Now, I can drive in AWD mode without having to worry.