Using A 4x2 Rear End In A 4x4...?

gritzNgravy

Test Drive
I have a whiny rear diff and I think I’m just going to swap out the rear end with a used one from eBay. The problem I’m running into is finding one that fits my X.

Its a 2007 Manual Transmission, 4x4 and not the OR model. The rear diff is the 3.54 ratio M226 based on what I’ve found.

There are not a lot on the market right now but I have found a few reasonably priced rear ends with the 3.54 ratio but they have come off of 4x2 not 4x4 like I have. This might be a dumb question but I can’t find the answer anywhere. Will the 4x2 work or should I keep looking?
 

JeffPro4x

Hot Pipe
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Glenside, PA
Yup. You'll be fine. I think 3.54 was manual trans only, so any you find should be the M226 and not the ck100
 

gritzNgravy

Test Drive
Yup. You'll be fine. I think 3.54 was manual trans only, so any you find should be the M226 and not the ck100

I just spoke to someone who said the pinion flange may be different on the 4x2 (4 bolt vs 6 bolt) so I’m trying to find some more info on that.
 

gritzNgravy

Test Drive
That’s what I’m thinking as well but I don’t want to do all the work and have something not fit correctly
Gearing matches but someone mentioned the pinion flange may be different (4 bolt/6 bolt) between the models so I’m trying to figure out if this is true
 

JeffPro4x

Hot Pipe
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Glenside, PA
Gearing matches but someone mentioned the pinion flange may be different (4 bolt/6 bolt) between the models so I’m trying to figure out if this is true
Yeah. Some further research shows that 2wd might be 4 bolt. You can buy a different pinion flange, but that's extra work
 

gritzNgravy

Test Drive
Yeah. Some further research shows that 2wd might be 4 bolt. You can buy a different pinion flange, but that's extra work

That’s what I’m seeing as well. I’m going to look into if the 6 bolt will simply bolt on or if there are any other issues I may run into. Thanks for the help!
 
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