4WD problems, diff ratios?

Hi all, im new to the forum but have owned my jimny for 6 months now.

From the day i got it it has been trying to kill me every time i engage 4WD :dry:

I think there may be a possibility its had a new back axle at some point and im not sure if the diffs are a matching pair

When ever i engage 4wd it pulls severly to the right if i accelarate, also its really hard to get back into 2wd. also when driving slowly in 4wd the front wheels seem to skid and lock up (mostly passenger wheel)

The car is a 2004 mode, id imagine it should have specific diff ratios for that year?

I finally got round to removing the diffs yesterday, my mechanic mate did the math for me and tells me the front diff is a 3.9 and the rear is a 4.1 but he was unsure if this is correct or if they should both be the same.

Could any experts out there shed some light on my dilemma as this problem makes the car useless at what it does best, thanks in advance

It sounds as if you have a std manual Jimny front diff from a pre 05 car and a rear diff from an auto. Would certainly give the problems you are suggesting. If you are going to bigger tyres you could change the front to a 4.1 which would help a bit with your gearing. Don't forget that your speedo will be inaccurate if it's a manual car with auto diffs.

Sorry - how rude of me - welcome!

Thanks mate, I wasn't planning on fitting larger wheels or tyres.
Do I need to do this to fit an auto front diff?

If i find a pre 2005 manual in a breaker will it definitely be the right ratio or will it need to be a certain year like 2002 to 2005 ect

I think if and when you decide to fit bigger tyres etc then make your changes at that time. Your best bet probably is to fit a diff from a manual car. They are all the same up to the introduction of the vvt model in 2005. At that time the manual car diff became 4.3:1 so very noticeably different.
For a diff you could try Cam breakers near Bradford, they are always breaking cars and things I have bought from them have been a good price and quality. Good luck!

Excellent mate, can't thank you enough

Ill try the local breakers for a manual car, I had seen a few 2000 year cars but was unsure whether parts from them would be any use.

Can't wait to get it driving 100%,
It's been a long time coming.

Definetly the diff.

Exact same thing happened to j999pre

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