Differential

[dugums]

Hi guys. My differential is making some noise and is in need of a rebuild (or replacement). I had a few questions I was hoping some of you might be able to answer.

1. How easy is it to remove and rebuild one of these things? Am I better off leaving this to the professionals?

2. From my reading here, it seems there are a few different LSD's that were available for the MK3. Are they interchangeable? I assume the differences involve a trade-off between performance and economy - if my assumption is correct, which is the best for performance?

3. Is it even worth considering a TRD differential if my power goals are modest and the car won't see the track?

As always, thank you for your input!!!

D

 

[mkIIIman089]

1. Cake to remove, just follow the directions and get the right tools; should be fine.

2. Yes, less economy since I got the same highway gas mileage from a 3.73 as a 4.30. Significantly higher revs at cruising but less load also. It's really picking the best gear length for the motor and how to keep it in boost.

3. Mmm, probably not.

 

[jdub]

More info on gearing/differential:

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32898

 

[dugums]

Thanks for the info... I did not find that when I searched...

So it seems like the removal will be easy based on the first response and a skim of the TSRM.

As a person who has never done this type of thing before, should I attempt the rebuild, find a used LSD, or ????

 

[jdub]

A used LSD could be in the same shape as yours.
If you decide to re-build, let a shop with experience do so...Jaws Gear does re-bulds, but shipping would be expensive.

 

[dugums]

Sound Performance gave me a loose estimate of anywhere between $300 - $800 depending on what exactly was needed (they would be doing the labor to remove the diff as well).

In truth, it's not really about saving money, it's more about me feeling like I would be missing an opportunity to learn how. There are many things though, where determination cannot out-do experience. So, if this is one of them, I guess I should just hand it over to them.

Thanks again for your help - If anybody has other suggestions, just let me know!

 

[Nick M]

The 4.30 will accelerate harder from a stop. It doesn't have to give you really bad milage in daily driven sense, unless you are doing mostly highway driving.

This is because the engine is not loaded, and you don't need to open the throttle as far. As the owner manual says about increasing fuel efficency, avoid jack rabbit starts.

I know that isn't what you were inquiring about, but it is a good thought on diffs.

 

[CzA]

"jack rabbit starts"

Sorry, can some one explain that one to me?


Thnx....

 

[starscream5000]

Medium load thottle...shift...Medium load thottle...shift....Medium load throttle...shift........

Light load throttle............shift...Light load throttle...............shift...Light load throttle...............shift................

Get it?

 

[mkIIIman089]

Medium load thottle...shift...Medium load thottle...shift....Medium load throttle...shift........

Light load throttle............shift...Light load throttle...............shift...Light load throttle...............shift................

Get it?

LOL, I like that.

 

[Nick M]

You have never seen a rabbit haul ass when a dog chases it? They go full speed right away. In other words, take your foot off the floor.

 

[Burntz]

Or, in oooother words, just be easy on it. Anyone with a bit of common sense knows that if you floor it everywhere, your mileage goes down.

Pretty much to the tone of a tank in my camaro lasted me 1 week with my foot in it, and 2 without