vacuum system

Downside is fuel consumption, increased wear and tear, slightly stiffer steering and the possibility of "getting home" problems when some failures occur. For example its not unknown for a CV joint/Driveshaft to fail when off-roading. If everything is locked then this could make it difficult to drive home, if you can unlock the hub you may have been able to still drive the car (off course you could always unbolt the locked hub to get you home)

So would you say It would be wiser to sort out the vacuum system?

If so, can you buy the vacuum pipes and filters as a set?

I had a look In the engine bay after seeing a picture on this site and I noticed that the small air filter Is missing that sits just below the small blue check valve.

Nope, didn't mean to put you off with the "downsides" because the real upside of locking them up is a 4wd system you can rely on!

I would forget the vacuum system and lock them off either by butchering your current hubs or by buying manual hubs and my mounting kit (well I would say that wouldn't I!)

Martin

Thanks again martin,

I don`t really go off road anyway:blush: It was more to get me out shooting In the snow as It Is totally useless In 2 wheel drive with huge recips on.

The problem with manuals would be getting a hold of a set as I`ve heard they are like hens teeth.

I spoke to the main guy a kap suzuki last week and he has a few sets but Is not selling them as he doesn`t know when he can get some more.

I also mentioned to him about the manual hubs and a 5mm spacer being used and he was horrified and said you should not use a spacer but you should instead machine about 5mm off the driveshaft.

I`m not 100% sure It was the driveshaft, but he did say that using spacers was a no no.

I told him I`d read on various forums about the manuals and spacers being used but he said (I`ve been working on these jeeps for x amount of years and I know what I`m on about).

Not sure why using spacers is a no-no, I don't think he meant machine 5mm off the drive shaft, more likely its 5mm off the hub bearing locking nut.

I would guess its because it gives you 5mm less drive shaft engagement in the free wheeling hub, but then his method removes some of the hub nut which holds the bearing in. I would say its swings and roundabouts and I have been happily running freewheeling hub spacers for 2 years, as have many of the people on this forum.

The SJ Manual hubs are becoming rarer second hand but you can buy new ones (appox £150). Alternatively you can find the permanent locked plates from old SJs etc (and Fourtracs - I think) a lot of people will give you these for free - ask on www.difflock.com in the Suzuki section)

(Did he also suggest that you needed strengthened Transfer Box Mounting arms )


Martin

(Did he also suggest that you needed strengthened Transfer Box Mounting arms )

No he did not martin.

Would I have to do this If I locked the original hubs?