Bongo Fury

This follows on from my other post about 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive conversions.

We've had our 2WD Bongo a long time now, and we've got it mostly how we want it, but circumstances have changed and we need more grip to access some land.

I'm not overly keen on selling it for a 4WD version (although this is probably the long term solution) so I want to increase the grip.

The plan is to fit a limited slip differential to the rear axle. Does anyone know if the diff is the same size on the 4WD and 2WD Bongos, i.e. are they interchangeable ? This would then give double the grip, so instead of one rear wheel spinning in the mud, with the other staying still, the other wheel will also receive power, giving me more grip. On top of that, I could either change the rear tyres to something more knobbly, or fit something like snow chains. But I really don't want to have to faff about fitting chains just to drive across a field.

Note that we have successfully accessed the land, but got stuck on one bit of incline, hence for the need for extra grip.

What experiences do people have of improving grip of the 2WD Bongo (other than buying a 4WD)?

Thanks !!

Something I'm interested in, although ours is 4wd some of the steam rallies we attend can get a bit 'Sticky'.

I did just enquire about the availabilty of LSDs on an online breakers site and they can be had from about £150 - £450

Also worth noting that Allan was telling me he has swapped from LSD to normal when one packed up, so that indicates they are compatible.

If all else fails a PM enquirey to Doone will likely get a helpful response.

Allan said yes the diffs are interchangeable.

Brilliant

Thanks for letting me know.

Second question..... other than the Freda and Ford Ranger, does anyone know how many other vehicles have the same LSD? It would make finding one easier.

Cheers

Thanks Lorna.

This type of site should yield results, or, of course, Bongo Spares.

http://www.carsite.co.uk/car-parts/mazd ... -slip-diff

Yes Bongo spares are on my list.... just giving myself options in case they are hard to come by

Cheers, will keep you updated !

LSD arrives today, (from Bongo Spares) then fitting next week.

Next plan is to get a set of off road tyres..... I'm hoping that will be all I need to get the extra grip. If all else fails, we'll change to 4x4 next year.

Will keep you posted, including a review of how the LSD performs !!

Thanks, look forward to your report.

Gripped wrote:LSD arrives today, (from Bongo Spares) then fitting next week.

Next plan is to get a set of off road tyres..... I'm hoping that will be all I need to get the extra grip. If all else fails, we'll change to 4x4 next year.

Will keep you posted, including a review of how the LSD performs !!

Will be very interested to read your road report on that and on how tricky it was doing the swap.

Luckily I've got a Bongo friendly garage to fit it for me. I don't fancy lying under the van in this weather !

Will keep you posted though.

You might even offset some of the cost by selling on your diff.

That's the plan... or I may keep it as a spare until we change to a newer Bongo.

Anyway, the LSD arrived today. Looks good, bearings and cog teeth look ok....... fly in the ointment is a crack in the cast housing......

Not sure if it's a problem really, but it does go through to the inside. No leak as far as I can tell, but I think I'll inform bongo spares and swap it for another.

I did consider asking the garage to remove the diff gears and put into the existing housing, but that would involve removing all the bearings etc, so much more work.

That's used parts for you I guess.

Ok, replacement diff from Bongo Spares arrived this week. They swapped the damaged one, and courier took away at no cost to me. Big thanks to Bongo Spares !

Anyway, LSD is now fitted and seems to work ok. Now to try it off road............................................

Watch this space. [or send out a search party]

Splendid news.

Any idea roughly how long the swap took, please?