Rear Diff lock

[volkswagen50]

Does anyone know if the Mistu ever came with a rear diff lock? OR if this axle was used in any other Mitsu models, maybe just wider? A Dana 44 is found in all kinds of trucks, all kinds of widths. So it would stand to reason that maybe Mitsu didn't use a new rear end, they just narrowed an existing one of theirs. Maybe. I just want to lock it in a none permanent way, so I don't get stuck. Thanks, Greg

[volkswagen50]

Someone told me that Mitsu and toyota were using the same axle, and other parts. Is that true? If so is that axle the 7.5" or the 8"? I'm going out to the garage soon to give it a good look over to see what it might interchange with, so I can get a locker of some kind in there.

[gbrad]

Hi volkswagen50,

Be sure and post what you find out. There are several of us who are trying to find lockers or definitive info. The different models may be different axles, but it's been difficult getting any info so far.

Thanks,

gbrad

[volkswagen50]

Okay, I think the rear may be a Toyota piece, but, it's not one that we got over here in ANYTHING. I checked gasket pictures for the 6.7, 7.5, 8.0 that came in all rear drive toyotas from early 70's till now. All have ten bolts holding the center chuck to the housing. The Mitsu has only 8. It bears a very striking resemblence to the 7.5 rear end, all the same ribs, bumps and other external clues. But I have nothing to compare it to, and mine is still together in my truck. I did hear that the mitsu did come with a LSD, so maybe that is something we can order from a supplier of some kind. Sounds pricey that way though. If I find out more i'll write. Greg

I take some of that back. The corolla came with either the 8 bolt or ten bolt gasket, and the 6.7 rear has a LSD made by Bruteforce that is available.

[4Wheelin]

Yeah I am interested in what you find out too. Forgive my ignorance but someone told me to look into an air locker. Is that something that would be feasable? I am not very educated in rear end gearing.

[volkswagen50]

It will depend on what the rear really is, who made it. ARB makes an airlocker for both the toyota and mitsu rears. I measured the housing opening and if it's a Toyota rear then it's got to be the 6.7" or 6.38" rear. Both of which have LSD available, factory and aftermarket. I just haven't been able to get a decent picture of one yet to compare to mine. They are scarce in the junkyards.
More latter....
Greg

[volkswagen50]

Just to clarify the above statement about ARB. They make one for the Toyota rears, and the Mitsu rears that came in the Raider and Pajero (montero)
The HiJet came with LSD or lockers and I just got some pics of the rear diff on those and it's identical to my Mitsu. They are more than likely the 8 bolt 6.7 or 6.3 toyota rear diff common in the celica and corrolla of the seventies. When I track down one of those for reasonable money I'll pull the pumkin on my truck and see if it's the same and then get a locker or LSD to fit. Spline count will be important. I'll keep everyone posted as I get new info over the next week or so. I'm out of town right now. Greg