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A metallic differential cover labelled “Dana 60” is shown below bold text about identifying axles before ordering parts. There’s a tip: “Identify it right, get the right parts” with a magnifying glass icon.

Differential Identification: How to Identify Your Axle Before You Order Parts

August 24th, 2026

Differential identification is the first and most important step in any diff repair or upgrade. Before you order a ring and pinion, a locker, a bearing kit or even a...

Exploded view of helical and clutch-type limited slip differentials, labelled “HELICAL LSD” and “CLUTCH-TYPE LSD,” with bold text comparing both LSD types for road use against a blue, lightning-themed background.

Best LSD for Street Use: Helical vs Clutch-Type LSD

August 18th, 2026

If you’ve ever planted the throttle mid-corner and felt one wheel spin uselessly into the air while the other just sat there, you’ve met the limitations of an open differential....

Axles

Axles – 28, 31 or 35 Spline: How Much Is Enough?

August 4th, 2026

Picking the right axles for your Ford 9-inch or BorgWarner build. If you’re building a rear end for a Falcon, a Commodore, a Kingswood or anything running a Ford 9-inch...

car differential parts, blue lighting effects, and text: “Diff Upgrades NZ: LSDs, Lockers, Gear Ratios & Rebuilds.” Logo reads “Gearhead Diffs.” ARB and ELocker differentials are displayed.

Diff Upgrades NZ: LSDs, Lockers, Gear Ratios & Rebuilds

August 3rd, 2026

Your differential is the quiet workhorse of your driveline. It splits engine torque between your wheels, lets them spin at different speeds through corners, and sets the final gearing that...

A differential gear is covered in milky fluid, with bold text: “Water in your diff, and the damage it does.” The Gearhead Diffs logo appears at the bottom. Blue light bursts in the background.

Water in Your Diff: How It Gets In, What It Destroys, and What It Costs You

July 29th, 2026

Water in Your Diff: How It Gets In, What It Destroys, and What It Costs You Water in your diff is one of the most destructive problems a differential can...

A mechanic works on a differential surrounded by gears. Text reads: "Differential Repairs in Christchurch. Gearhead Diffs." Bright blue and black theme, emphasising automotive repair services.

Differential Repair Christchurch

July 20th, 2026

Differential Repair Christchurch: Signs You Need One & Who to Call Not every differential problem means a full rebuild. If you’re searching for a differential repair Christchurch locals actually trust,...

A Ford 9-inch differential sits on wet ground in front of a silver classic car. Bold text reads “Ford 9 Inch Diff Conversion for Holden HQ to WB” against a blue, lightning-themed background.

Ford 9 Inch Diff Conversion for Holden HQ to WB

July 20th, 2026

Ford 9 Inch Diff Conversion for Holden HQ to WB: The Complete Guide Building a HQ, HJ, HX, HZ or WB Holden with real horsepower on tap? Then the factory...

A metallic car differential and an Isuzu D-Max lorry with bold text: "Why Isuzu D-Max diffs fail. The common causes, signs & how to prevent costly damage." Blue lightning and a dirt ground set a dramatic tone.

Isuzu D-Max diff failure

July 20th, 2026

Isuzu D-Max Diff Failure: Why the Open Carrier Gears Give Out Has your D-Max developed a clunk or grind from the rear end? This is often the first sign of...

Two automotive differentials are displayed on a textured surface with electric blue streaks. Bold text above reads, "Repair or Exchange Diff, Which one do you need?" in white and blue.

Repair or Exchange Diff — Which One Do You Need?

July 19th, 2026

Repair or Exchange Diff — Which One Do You Need? If your differential is making noise, leaking oil, or underperforming, you usually have two options: a repair, or a rebuilt...

A Toyota Hilux differential part is shown in front of a blue, electric-themed background with the text: "Toyota Hilux Differential Problems: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions.

Common Toyota Hilux Differential Problems

July 15th, 2026

Toyota Hilux diffs are renowned for their reliability and durability, making them one of the toughest drivetrains on the market. However, like any mechanical component, they can still develop problems...

Superfinished differential gears: Is it worth it?

Superfinished Differential Gears: Is It Worth It?

June 24th, 2026

Superfinished differential gears have become increasingly popular in motorsport and high-performance driveline applications. When building a high-performance differential, most people focus on gear ratios, LSD choice, bearings, and setup accuracy....

how to work out a diff ratio

How to Work Out a Diff Ratio

June 22nd, 2026

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What diff ratio do I have?” or wondered how to work out a diff ratio, you’re not alone. Knowing your differential ratio is important when...

Solid vs Rubber diff bushes

Solid Diff Bushes vs Rubber Diff Bushes

June 19th, 2026

When upgrading or rebuilding a differential, most people focus on gears, LSDs, lockers, and bearings. However, the diff bushes also play an important role in how the vehicle performs and...

Two silver pick-up trucks face each other on a reflective hexagonal floor—one standard, one lifted with large tyres. Bold text above them announces, "Choosing the Right Diff Ratio" with a blue lightning background, emphasising the importance of selecting the correct diff ratio.

Choosing the Right Diff Ratio For Your Wheels and Transmission

June 17th, 2026

Choosing the right diff ratio is one of the most important considerations when modifying a vehicle. Whether you’re fitting bigger tyres to a 4WD, swapping transmissions in a classic car,...

A modified black race car is set against a dynamic blue and black background with lightning effects. Bold text reads: "Choosing the Right LSD or Diff Centre for your race application.

Choosing the Right LSD or Diff Centre for Your Race Application

June 15th, 2026

When building a race car, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right LSD or diff centre for your race application. The differential plays a major role in...

Solid Pinion Spacers vs. Crush Sleeves: What’s the Difference? A metal Solid Pinion Spacer is shown on the left and a metal crush sleeve on the right, highlighted by a blue lightning bolt in the background.

Solid Pinion Bearing Spacers vs Crush Sleeves

June 12th, 2026

Solid pinion spacers are one of the most common upgrades we recommend when rebuilding a differential. Replacing the factory crush sleeve with a solid pinion spacer can improve preload stability...

A comparison image titled "Ball Bearings vs Tapered Roller Bearings in Differentials" shows a ball bearing on the left and a tapered roller bearing on the right, highlighting their uses: ball bearings for speed, tapered rollers for load capacity.

Ball Bearings vs Tapered Roller Bearings in Differentials

June 10th, 2026

Bearings play a critical role in the strength, durability, and lifespan of a differential. Inside every diff assembly, bearings support rotating components such as the pinion gear and differential carrier....

Two glass beakers on a dark background: one with clean amber oil, the other with dirty, dark "Lifetime Diff Oil." Bold text asks, "Lifetime diff oil— is it really lifetime?" Icons highlight clean oil protection and the costs of neglect.

Lifetime Diff Oil, Is It Really Lifetime?

June 8th, 2026

Many modern vehicles are marketed as having “lifetime differential oil”, meaning the oil is not intended to be serviced during normal vehicle ownership. This can give the impression that diff...

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