Hello from Down Under

[chris_stoffa]

Hi all

Hello to all from here in downtown Melbourne Australia, I live in the Western side of Melbourne Australia.

I have a 2003 Mazda Bravo ( B2500 Diesel WL Turbo) Dual Cab which I believe you guys don't get over there, just the 2 door units as I have never seen or could find one on any of your car sales sites.

Happy to be corrected if I've got that wrong though.

What I would like to know, If I could is what locking diffs, other that ARB Air Lockers, are suitable for the rear diffs in 2003-2004 Mazda.

I dont want a ARB unit for a number of reasons, one of which is the price here , @ $ 2100 fitted ( and our $ is at parity with yours atm, its just plain ridiculous for a whole number of other reasons.

Would like to know if you guys have have a detroit /pro-rite/eaton or any other solution for a rear locking diff.

Hope you can assist

Cheers

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Welcome to TRS - we keep spreading around the world day by day - the International Resource for Rangers and Mazdas - LOL.

Cannot help you with your Q's but I am sure someone here can give some insight.

Now get us some pics and some of your friends to join LOL.

Hazmat . . .

 

[chris_stoffa]

Hope this is a start, I think i've uploaded it ok

Its a 2003-04 Dualcab "Bravo" B2500 pushed by a 2.5litre WLT diesel , 2.5 inch exhaust, 2inch lift kit , ARB Ultimate suspension Kit, Nitro charger shocks, 128 litre Long Range Tank , Rear ARB Canopy, Tub Liner, 250 litre Aluminum Tool/Gear Box ( in the Tray Area) Aluminum Bullbar & Sidestep,Safari snorkle UniFilters, 35watt HID IPF driving lights, GME Uhf radio and it running Michelin A/T tyres at the moment and about to change to a bit more aggressive tyre.

And I brought it that way 3years ago with 50K on the clock , its done 160K now

Its used as my daily driver, weekend toy, camper trailer tow vehicle and hunting/spotlighting vehicle

Just a little bog hole and yes, I did get through it !!

Cheers Chris

 

[Colin]

welcome, that is a sick truck

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

Very nice truck - looks like a fun place to play, not for me though hahahaha - I need a mud toy!

 

[RangerMak]

Welcome! Thats a dam nice truck!

 

[RICO9]

Welcome Chris! I think you should put an Aussie locker in the rear. (just seems fitting).

 

[chris_stoffa]

Welcome Chris! I think you should put an Aussie locker in the rear. (just seems fitting)

RICO9,

I would if I could, but I cant, here they are called a Lokka and because of the rear diff used in the Bravo they don't fit, they do make one for the front diff though.

From what I understand on other parts of this forum it may be possible, might, to change the complete rear diff for an alternative diff assembly, in the process pick up rear disc brakes and be able to fit a alternative locking diff centre to fit that , I am still reading madly when I get the chance.

Just need to confirm that the suggested alternative diffs are available here.

Mate, has one of those in the front of his Nissan patrol - neat little unit

Cheers

 

[RICO9]

What rear does your truck have? I just assumed it was a ford 8.8.

 

[chris_stoffa]

What rear does your truck have? I just assumed it was a ford 8.8.

RICO9,

I have been told it looks like a Ford 8.8 BUT the Detroit / Eaton distributor here and a couple of mechanics who are apparently highly knowledgeable in all things Mazda diffs tell me that what Mazda did was use a Ford diff but change it sufficiently enough to ensure that it was/is a Mazda specific diff.

Even the Crown wheel and pinion are apparently just different enough to a Ford diff to make it near impossible to get replacement parts for them anywhere but Mazda.

The new Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger are still without an Eaton or Detroit type diff here as once again they are different to all other diffs - so we are apparently waiting for someone to try and solve the problem here

Any info on diffs for the 4x4's is most welcome

Thanks guys for the comments, its a bit of a weekend toy for me, its just been fitted with Kuomo KL71 M/T's - has had an amazing affect on its ability to climb and dig through mud holes

Chris