I finally got around to disassembling my LSD clutch pack for a rebuild and check tolerances and I found something very odd. Whoever rebuilt it last replaced one of the inner spline discs with an outer spline on each side. So instead of 2 of each it was 3 outers and 1 inner on each side. Why would they do that?

 

That's GSL-SE style. It's normal.

 

Thanks Jeff. Only now that I've cleaned them I don't remember what order they were in when I removed them. Do you know the order?

 

Doesn't really matter as long as species Inner is surrounded by species Outer. The FSM/Chilton's have the order.

What you need to do is say "Hey Pete, you have a mechanically busticated GSL-SE diff, can I buy some clutch parts from you for $20ish? It'd be way cheaper than buying new parts for $40-50 per disk!"

I just gotta remember where the diff actually is. Hopefully it is at The Batcave in Olmsted Falls. It had sheared an axle and wrecked the boss where the bearing rides, but the clutches are still good. It's actually a 12A diff (has an even number of inners/outers) with a .010" shim on each side. Enough preload that I could easily drive it on one axle.

Also, I have named my workshop garage The Batcave.

 

Update: Found the diff. Somehow I thought that I had removed the diff and replaced it with a welded open diff, so I had been looking for just a diff. I forgot that I had bought a complete new third member and welded its diff, since my car was dead in Columbus and I wanted a minimum of fuss time, unbolt 3rd member and install new one and new axles. I had also forgotten that I put it in a five gallon bucket for mess abatement. Was searching all over the place and went to move the bucket out of the corner and that's when the lightbulb went off

 

haha, Thanks Peejay. I wish I saw your post earlier. I already ordered two new discs from Mazdatrix. But now I know who to turn to for my next rebuild.

 

I rebuilt my SE diff with used plates. I regret it sooo much. I bought a set of someone's used plates on the forum and then just put in the combination of the best ones. The diff still doesn't really do anything. I even got the extra thick thrust washers.

Then again, paying 300 bucks for new plates is just so untenable.

I know people say to put a shim or an extra plate in but I get nervous when things stray from the FSM procedure. If I could go back now I for sure would. womp Womp.