Center diff lock swap?

[nonipotent]

I currently own a 1988 GL-10 Turbo with a center diff lock and a 1990 Loyale with a 5sp dual range transmission out of a 86 GL.

I've found myself wondering if it would be possible to take the locking differential out of the GL-10 and transplanting it into the transmission my Loyale to mimic the coveted RX transmission. Any thoughts?

[el_freddo]

You need an AWD dual range box to achieve what you’re wanting to do. 

The single range AWD gearbox is a solid upper shaft and the bottom lay shaft is a tube that has the front pinion shaft run through it. 

AFAIK the dual range 4wd gearbox uses a setup with the drive gears mounted on the pinion shaft for the front diff. 

I know more about the AWD L series box with the locking centre diff than the specifics on the dual range 4wd pinion shaft setup as I’ve not pulled that section apart. 

We’re lucky in Oz because our market came with dual range AWD gearboxes right into the late naughties. These parts are somewhat interchangeable with that locking centre diff gearbox you have. 

For example: my L series “Ruby Scoo” runs a bastardised locking AWD gearbox with the following setup: 

- phase 2 front cases with matching drive gearsets 
- L series 1.59:1 low range 
- L series locking centre diff pinion shaft - modified for 4.111:1 diff ratio 
- matching rear locking centre diff housing, shift linkages and tailshaft 
- oil “feeders” over the low range gearset to lubricate and keep cool on long climbs.

The key is a phase 1 dual range AWD gearset - if you manage to score one of these it will fit into your L series front cases. The low range hub internally will need a small amount of machining to fit the EJ upper gearset shaft. There are threads around that explain this. 

Your biggest hurdle is the EH dual range gearbox/gearset if you’re in the states.