Are used variloks any good?

marc41 · 02-09-2010, 05:33 AM

I am considering putting in the varilok diffs and the corresponding half-axles (I currently have open diffs). I can get the parts off a 100K mile vehicle from a junkyard. New variloks go for roughly $700. Chrysler says the variloks are "virtually wear-free". The donor vehicle comes from the UK and probably has not seen much offroading. If variloks really are good for the life of the vehicle, then I could just as well grab the used ones. Or maybe not?

skain8 · 02-09-2010, 12:24 PM

At what price?

marc41 · 02-09-2010, 12:57 PM

I can get the complete Dana 44 rear axle with the varilok diff for $500.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 02-09-2010, 01:07 PM

That is expensive.

I have a complete D44a w/ Vari Lok and 3.73 gears that I would sell for half that price.

Edit: Sorry, I just noticed your location and I do not know what they are worth in your area.

marc41 · 02-09-2010, 01:31 PM

At that price I'd take it without thinking twice. Trouble is, I'm in Estonia

I could try to negotiate with the junkyard but if they won't budge it looks like it would be worth having a brand new varilok carrier shipped over from the States (about $800 incl. shipping).

BTW, I have arrived at two possible avenues to better offroad capability: 1) ARB at the front + varilok at the rear; 2) variloks on both axles of the WJ + buy a 1962 Unimog for the more adventurous trails.

Planetcat · 02-09-2010, 01:39 PM

I realize money doesn't grow on trees, but for $300 more, wouldn't you rather get the new set after all the work to install them instead of the 100K miles used set. You'll be set for the life of the jeep at that point.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 02-09-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc41

At that price I'd take it without thinking twice. Trouble is, I'm in Estonia

I could try to negotiate with the junkyard but if they won't budge it looks like it would be worth having a brand new varilok carrier shipped over from the States (about $800 incl. shipping).

BTW, I have arrived at two possible avenues to better offroad capability: 1) ARB at the front + varilok at the rear; 2) variloks on both axles of the WJ + buy a 1962 Unimog for the more adventurous trails.

Have you thought about putting an Aussie locker in the rear?

Or are you trying to keep it more street friendly?

marc41 · 02-09-2010, 01:58 PM

I can take the extra financial hit but I want to get value for my money. I've heard that the varilok at the very least will last longer than a preloaded type of LSD. Besides, I'm quite happy with how the varilok in my centre diff transfers torque to the front axle. The gerotor design certainly looks very clean in principle.

marc41 · 02-09-2010, 02:21 PM

Yes, my mod philosophy is that I do want to keep the Jeep as street friendly as I possibly can while adding a bit more offroad capability. Otherwise I'd go full hog with substantial lift, two locks, new gears, etc. This, however, would compromise the rig as a DD. I'll probably get a Unimog for the heavy slogging and set up the WJ as a competent snow machine.

92rslt1 · 02-09-2010, 03:56 PM

you will need the Driveshaft too if you have a d35