Alright.

Is it possible to remove the internals of an open differential, to fit the internals of an LSD without taking the differential out?
I found this thread telling me that you can swap the internals from say a GXL model into a base GX differential housing.
The differential looks ******* tough to remove, I have no idea how to remove the half shafts (is that what they are called?) and whatnot from the rear, so I just want to get under the car and swap the internals. Or do you have to take the halfshafts off?

thx

 

I'm not sure about the internals compatibillity but you will have to remove the whole assembly to do it all propperly.

 

damnit.

Oh well, guess I'll just start reading up on removal, more than enough info on these boards, plus I got the haynes.

Nice to see you again makenzie, haven't seen you post in a while, at least not in any of the threads that I do

 

Sorry I haven't been around. I was abducted by aliens and it turned into a really big ordeal.

Soooo many new names...soooo much new asshattery...

 

Honestly we should be thankfull. More new people means more interest in the rotary, wich only spells goodness in the 'long' run. Cheaper prices, more selection and more online stores to sell the parts that we love. Embrace it bro, and at the same time lay the smackdown like REted on new 'unknowledgable' members.

 

Drain the diff first. To remove your diff you need to unblot the half shafts. Pull them out of your way. Unbolt the drive shaft and remove it. Put a pump jack onto the pumpkin of the rear diff. Now unbolt the 2 bolts on the wings holding it up. Guid it with your hand and slowly lower the jack down.

Pick it up and flip it up and now you can begin to take it apart. The ring gear is realy hard to brake lose, just a fair warning. And that gear oil is NASTY!

But you simply wont be able to without removing the diff. Sorry but she must come out.

 

Yea that oil stinks like **** mixed with oil, its really ******* rank, I remember that all to well. Thx for the pointers, sounds fairly simple but I have a feeling that it will take ALL day.

 

Take you about 1 to 2 hrs depending on tools to take one apart and put it back in.

I forgot to add to get the shafts that the half shafts bolt to out you just pull them out. IIRC some diffs use a C clip ring to retain them.

 

When you take the ring gear out, there will be shims on either side of the bearings, make sure you put them in exactly how they came out.

 

I did quite a bit of searching and found alot of information about what can be swapped etc. However, rebuilding LSD units, there seems to be no threads about this procedure!
I was checking mazdatrix and they offer 4 different parts to replace with the clutch LSD and it costs about 200$US in totall. Then I was reading the threads and people are saying that the LSD's are not worth rebuilding and you should just buy a new one.

The only new ones that I have found are either the stock units, wich are a grand, and then there are some aftermarket ones that start at about 700$... So, what the hell do they mean its not worth rebuilding? It can't be that hard, can it?

 

bumpity

 

I'm looking to rebuild this winter, too, so if you come across a reason that it's not cost effective to rebuild, I'm interested too.

Gear Oil always reminds me of that "fat kid in gym class" smell. Remarkably unpleasant.

 

The "Internals" you refer to is called a "Carrier"

You do need to remove the whole assembly to do it properly, and you must be very careful to reasemble it properly as well, with the correct torque specs and all.

Make sure all your bearings and seals are good while you have it out, and you'll probably want to replace your carrier bearings.

For the N/A:
You can swap in the clutch type LSD from an S4 N/A (Like the GXL)
Or you can swap in the viscous type (that does not require rebiulding) from an S5, they both fit.
Or you can fit a Miata Torsen diff. (I like this option)

Also, you have four gear ratios to choose from:
3.9:1 (Autos and S4 'verts), 4.1:1 (almost everyone), 4.3:1 (GTUs), and 4.44:1 (Found in some Mazda trucks, I've heard this swaps in, never done it myself)

 

Yea but what about rebuilding it? Is this covered in the FSM? I'd check but its on my notebook at my girlfriends house. Where can I find out torque specs etc?
If its in the FSM, I'd defenitly make a guide after I get it all down with pictures and stuff for everyone to benefit.

*EDIT*

Yes, I downloaded the FSM again just to see, and sure enough it tells you how to inspect and rebuild the LSD. However, its EXTREMLEY complicated, there are a shitload of clearences you need to note, let alone have proper tools to get the job done right! No wonder no one has done this

 

miata diff huh? whats the ratio for those?

 

Wouldn't it be alot easier just to buy a good condition GXL diff. and install it?

 

They're all 20 years old, and seeming how they are all clutch types that wear, rebuilding is probably a great idea. I think the best way is to take it to the pro's and let them handle it, like a shop that specializes in LSD's.

 

Make sure you go to a place with a name like "Steve's Transmission and Repair" and not "Trixie's House of LSD"...the later may be cheaper, and briefly more fun, but you'll spend what you saved on munchies and still have a broken car.

 

lol, any bad experiences your trying to share mckenzie?

 

...well, I do dig munchies.

 

The carrier swaps. Not the gears man :p