small rear end (on cars, not my girlfriend)

[CumminSense]

Can anyone explain these tiny-looking rear diffs on some SUVs? I first saw them on the Nissan SUVs (Xterra, Armada), I wonder how they could take the torque of a relatively big engine / SUV. They look like they're about 5" across.

Then I saw the same thing on a Toyota FJ today.



Is this some "new technology"? Or cheap / undersized parts?



It certainly gives better ground clearance, but I just wonder about the torque capacity.



-- Steve

 

[Dl5treez]

Can't speak for the others but the FJ has a standard old Toyota 8" drop out third member style rear diff... ... . same style they've used in the little trucks since the late 70's.



Pretty strong, as are many of the 7. 5" - 9" rear differentials in use by the other manufacturers.