2wd vs. 4wd rear end ????

is there any difference between a 2wd rear end and a 4wd rear end. can one be mounted on a 4wd? whether its gearing, mounting tabs, or any other thing. thanks

gearing is different, also the carrier is longer on the 4wd which means the drive shaft will be shorter than a 2wd, so you'd have to swap that out, other than that, it should bolt in....

I wouldn't suggest putting a 2wd unit in a 4wd since the ring gear is smaller, don't quote me on this, but i think the 4wd units are like 8" whereas the 2wd units are 7.5", so they won't hold up near as well, plus the 2wd's gear ratio won't be in sink with the front, there for in 4wd the axles will be turning @ different speeds, which doesn't work.

here's a link that should help ya out

thats what i was wantin to know. someone local asked me if i had a 4wd one to sell and i only have a 2wd one. thanks

So, If I am reading this correctly..The 4x4 Differential for our trucks has a gear ratio of 4.44, and the sportage uses a 4.778...and the ring and pinion are interchangable? Looking for a little bit bigger gearing in my truck. Anyone had any first hand experience with changing ring and pinion in these trucks?

Anyone?...Im thinking about Buying a B2600 4x4 Rear (Dana 28 I Believe) and stuffing a Locker in it.

Anyone know where I can get a bigger ring and pinion for this diff....5.30-5.70 or so? Are all D28 ring and pinion interchangable?

If my driveshaft is going to be longer, is there any factory mazda driveshaft I could use to make this work? or do i have to section my driveshaft I already have? what would the proper way of doing this be?...I should probably take it to a shop so it is true, correct?

Thanks for the help.