I've been poking around on these forums for a long time reading the build threads and I've seen plenty of diff conversions like ford 9" and crumpledoor borgies etc but no Volvo diff conversions.
To me it just makes sense, they use Dana 30 centres so there's a huge range to choose from (same centre as front jeep diff) and of course they have the torry stud pattern , give or take a poofteenth from the metric / imperial differences. Common as frOck and dirt cheap and nearly all Volvo from the 70's to the early 90's run essentially the same diff (there it two styles, basically one that comes with 3.73 gears and up and the other 3.73 and down). Disk breaks and everything. I could go on if people are interested.
I converted my sillycar to a 240 series diff and picked up a torsion centre for $450 delivered and its been bullet proof with a guesstimated 350rwhp and semi slicks with plenty of hard clutch dumps.
Why not volvo diff conversions
Started by
_jabba_
, Jun 04 2013 08:02 PM
34 replies to this topic
#2
_Bomber Watson_
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 08:16 PM
THere also more or less the right width for LH/LX/UC.
I have one on the spares pile, might even use it one day.
Cheers.
#3
_jabba_
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 08:23 PM
THere 1400mm so thats around 40mm narrower than the lxh diff. Everyone likes a little extra dish. My skidlica was 1370mm (like the lcj again can tell), 15mm each side is nothing. :-)
#4
torana_nick
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 08:24 PM
Good thread mate, I am sort of in the market for a diff conversion so will be interested
To see what people say.. What would be an ideal diff to buy?
To see what people say.. What would be an ideal diff to buy?
#5
_jabba_
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 08:33 PM
Off the top of my head any 200 series, 700 series is fine. Ratios are on a sticker on the diff, they can usually be had for a couple of hundred bux still attached to the car. There dirt cheap.
#6
Struggler
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:10 PM
This was a popular conversion back in the day.
These days everyone has to have a 9" !! Oh, and Volvo's are NOT cool. 
#7
orangeLJ
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:20 PM
I raised this years ago with the same thoughts, all the rolls guys are into them, it makes a heap of sense, hilux, Volvo and commodore are basically top of my lists
#8
eyepeeler
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:38 PM
Haven't even thought of this option, didn't know about it!! Wonder if it would suit my IP race car?? Running a L98 with about 500 flywheel HP. I am going along the 9 inch path, this could be an option though, any more info out there on this conversion????
#9
kiwi-lilj
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:38 PM
I have been mucking around with a volvo. I think you could get it under a LC/LJ with the right wheel offset.
Here is a pic of the volvo with stock wheels and 195 tyres next to my banjo with 7" wheels and 215 tyres. The Volvo combo is actually slightly narrower than the Torana.
DSC08000.JPG 140.6K
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Here is a pic of the Volvo rolled under my LC.
DSC08001.JPG 154.13K
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Blair
#10
Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:43 PM
I'd say the fact that they do have the small stud pattern is a big reason why not so common these days - if you want to do a brake and wheel upgrade that really needs to be changed
#11
A9X
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 09:52 PM
Stick with the 9 inch craig.
different if you were doing a streeter, but you need the wider variety of off-the-shelf performance parts for the racer.
nothing wrong with the swedish option otherwise.
i think the reason it gets overlooked is the dollars for a conversion aren't much different to the other bw option, and a basic second hand 9 inch setup
Edited by A9X, 04 June 2013 - 09:54 PM.
#12
wot179
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 10:01 PM
fraud diffs make your car rust.
#13
eyepeeler
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 10:04 PM
Ok.
Stick with the 9 inch craig.
different if you were doing a streeter, but you need the wider variety of off-the-shelf performance parts for the racer.
nothing wrong with the swedish option otherwise.
i think the reason it gets overlooked is the dollars for a conversion aren't much different to the other bw option, and a basic second hand 9 inch setup
#14
_2_many_torries... never!_
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 10:11 PM
I have one fitted to my 308 lx hatch. Fantastic value, I got the diff for $150, cut and welded the Torana mounts on myself . Bought an Aussie locker centre intended for a jeep front Dana axle and fitted it. Now have a really strong disc brake rear end, 50mm narrower than standard which allows me to fit 8 inch wheels under standard guards. Owes me about $500 all up with new pads and bearings
Edited by 2_many_torries... never!, 04 June 2013 - 10:12 PM.
#15
rodomo
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Posted 04 June 2013 - 10:16 PM
This has my stamp of approval. Dana is a brand on it's own like Borg Warner.
ANYTHING RATHER THAN DAMN F@4D DAMN PARTS DAMMIT!
ANYTHING RATHER THAN DAMN F@4D DAMN PARTS DAMMIT!
#16
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Posted 05 June 2013 - 12:52 AM
This might be an option for me as i need a new diff or centre soon.
Can you get a ratio close to the standard holden 3.08? And what is the cost of getting the mounts changed?
Can you get a ratio close to the standard holden 3.08? And what is the cost of getting the mounts changed?
#17
kiwi-lilj
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Posted 05 June 2013 - 06:01 PM
This might be an option for me as i need a new diff or centre soon.
Can you get a ratio close to the standard holden 3.08? And what is the cost of getting the mounts changed?
Perhaps you should ask your mum to call some companies that specialise in this type of work in your local area, she can then advise you of an estimated cost.
#19
_tim_pato_
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Posted 05 June 2013 - 08:03 PM
Thats a bit ruff mate its a fair question, can you get a ratio similar to standard or nit?
#20
_jabba_
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Posted 05 June 2013 - 08:06 PM
I have one fitted to my 308 lx hatch. Fantastic value, I got the diff for $150, cut and welded the Torana mounts on myself . Bought an Aussie locker centre intended for a jeep front Dana axle and fitted it. Now have a really strong disc brake rear end, 50mm narrower than standard which allows me to fit 8 inch wheels under standard guards. Owes me about $500 all up with new pads and bearings
This was basically my experience, did the conversion at home and extremely happy with it. The torsion centre is very tight. It almost feels like a welded centre but the tyres don't make slip/grip noises at slow speeds (unless one wheel is on some gravel).
Here's my ghetto jig.
Id do it 100x better if i did it again, cutting the mounts off with a 4" sucks. Id use works plasma cutter next time.
Edited by jabba, 05 June 2013 - 08:10 PM.
#21
hawk
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Posted 06 June 2013 - 12:16 AM
Perhaps you should ask your mum to call some companies that specialise in this type of work in your local area, she can then advise you of an estimated cost.
No need to be an arsehole i havnt done anything to you. By the way im 20 now and live over 4 hours away from any relative of mine. I also havnt seen any diff shops in my area yet ( only been here since november).
Back on topic can you get a ratio close to 3.08
#22
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#23
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Posted 06 June 2013 - 01:10 AM
Thanks datto what model and driveline volvo would you find one in?ight see what the wreckers have.
#24
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Posted 06 June 2013 - 01:31 AM
240 and early 740 series
#25
_jabba_
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Posted 06 June 2013 - 09:18 AM
This is what your looking for.
This is where.
In one of these
or these
Shamelessly stolen from the inter webs
Edited by jabba, 06 June 2013 - 09:21 AM.
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