I was thinking about getting a differential with lsd from a gxl or a turboII. My question is... By changing the differential would I have to convert my hubs to 5 lug? Or can I just stick with my 4 lug setup? Will one of these differentials bolt right up without changing anything like the driveshaft or diff. mounts? Sorry for all the questions

 

anyone?

 

ok i recomend a 5log converstion first from a gxl or t2 it delivers more power in 5 log and a 4 caliper brake system is needed if you are going to use that lsd to its full effect i did it on the 4log base model and i'm posting a write up look for "5 log convertion"
this is a first draft i can write you up a full detaile on if you are really going to perform this task but when i get a chance to

forget about the t2 diff since you have to get half shaft diff and a driveshaft custome made if you don't want to get a t2 tranny clutch and flyweel

a gxl i think is like a gtu but smaller i have a gtu just remove the driveshaft from the diff might be harder with a y-pipe you would have to remove the y i usually remove the whole exaust from the after the maifold,slight it fowared and put it away from danger carefull it can get lose and fall down but dont remove it because it might drop tranny fluid and make more work, loses the half-shaft from the diff. move them away from danger, i usually loses 3 bolts from both side lower the parking brake spind the tire to bring the 4 bolt so it can be removed, try
muff-to-halfshaft-to drive shaft

now here is the tricky part they are 20+mm bolt the bolts the crossmember the are infront of the back wheelunder the body cover by a shield put a hand jack in the middle of the crossmemeber before you losses the bolts,then remove a bolt on the diver side of the diff. it like a pole that comes from the car and bolts on the the crossmember then remove 2 17mm bolts that hold the actual diff. put a floor jack on the diff. lower the cross member then 2 17mm bolts that hold the diff by the drive shaft. lower the diff. picking up the foword part after the back part it of the holder on the back very hard but worth is

 

So you have an 86-8 4 lug. Im assuming its 5sp, which means it should have a 4.1 open diff. Most of the automatics had 3.9 open.

You ened an LSD form a gxl, 5sp. IF you find a gxl automatic it will work, but it will change your gear ratio for more top end but less acceleration. IF this is the case, you need the speedo gear from that car's auto tranny too, or your speedo wil read off. You will know it is LSD because there is a metal tag on the upper fill bolt on the back, unless it has been removed. All gxls should have lsd, unless it might have been replaced earlier with a non-lsd by someone who didnt know the difference.

the t2 diff will not work with your driveshaft or halfshafts.

the gxl diff wil work with your driveshaft adn halfshafts.

 

so do I have to go with 5 lug conversion if I swap the differential from a GXL? or can I just swap the diff. and leave the 4 lug hub?

 

the swap is very easy. If you have a 4 lug 5 speed, a gxl, GTU, GTUs LSD will bolt right in. The input flange on the dif. is larger for auto models but can be swaped with the one from your old diff. To see if it is a LSD turn one wheel if the wheel on the other side turns the same direction then it is, if it turns the opposite direction the it is an open diff.
The bolts on the crossmember are 21mm and the washer tabs are 14mm. the diff ears are 17mm. Do not forget the camber link on the driver's side of the diff.
What ever you do, do not try to remove the diff without dropping the rear subframe. It is impossable. hear is a pic of the rear complete.