[igneouss]

So my axle code on my 2003 kc 4x4 V6 is CA46.

R180/C200 29 pline.

I read the sticky and it seems to say that the CA46 should be in earlier and/or 4 cyl trucks. So is this correct?

It also seems to imply that I have a 29 pline unit.

So I look for a locker and the only ARB exists. By the time I get the locker and the required compressor I'm out like $1200 and that assumes I can install it myself...

Seems like I could buy a used axle and pay for installation for less money.

So is there an axle with factory locker with the correct ratios?

 

[Irongrave]

no factory locker for the gen 1s sorry but you might be able to run an E-locker toy axle

 

[fusionfronty99]

no factory locker for the gen 1s sorry but you might be able to run an E-locker toy axle

i dont understand why people suggest this?

the toy axle is a weaker (cursed with a thin ring gear and small pinion) then even the 31 spline h233b and its much narrower then the 233 as well

i say find a hardbody pickup from a local junkyard that has a door tag of HG46 and then swap it into your frontier (will bolt into place but im not sure about the e-brake)... the HBs came with 31 spline axles which allow you to run a lockrite or detroit locker.. both about half the cost of an ARB

 

[Hertz]

Great advice from fusionfronty. This is the way to go. You will end up with a darn good axle and Detroit mechanical locker for about the same or less than an ARB set up for your current axle. If you do so. Make sure you get the 31 spline h233b and not the 33. Only options with a 33 is swap out parts from a 31 or buy an ARB. Below is directly copied from the Axle Info thread at the top of this forum. Click Here!

HG46 - found on auto equipped pathfinders, 96-97 hardody 4 bangers, many Xterras and Frontiers. This one has some variation. Pre-2000 versions are the H233B axle with 4.625:1 gearing (31 spline axles). 2000+ is the H233B axle with 4.636:1 gearing (33 spline axles). Typically comes with an R200 front axle, with the exception being in the '96-97 Hardbody pickups - those had an H233B / R180 combination. Axle shafts in the H233B were 31 spline up to about 2000, where they switched to 33 spline shafts. All Xterras and R50 Pathfinders received the 33 spline axles. In Frontiers, it can be a crapshoot if you have a '99-'00 model, though it is believed that the switchover was at or near 2/00 production date.

 

[roastbeef]

31 spline h233's are weak. i knew a couple of guys who were running them with a detroit and they broke shafts like it was cool.

 

[fusionfronty99]

31 spline h233's are weak. i knew a couple of guys who were running them with a detroit and they broke shafts like it was cool.

yeah, on 40s?

the 33 spline is only .07 or so inches bigger in diameter beef

either way, toy axle shafts are a little bit smaller then even the 31 splines, so its better then them

 

[roastbeef]

they were on 35's.

i think they broke three or four shafts between the two of them before looking at swapping axles. i have broken zero shafts, and i have been wheeling for a longer period of time on this axle, on harder stuff then what they broke on.
he said himself that he was suprised i haven't broken a shaft yet.
theres something about these axles that are just solid man.

 

[igneouss]

Thanks all for the comments.

Ok, can anyone recommend a shop in Northern VA that might be able to acquire a used axle and do the swap?