Diff Brace/PPF Mounting?
 

My car is up on the lift and was looking at where a diff brace mounts and its geometry and was wondering what happens when you install it. Attached is a picture of what I'm talking about the notch in front of the 2 diff bolts. The KG brace looks like it would interfere with it and the brace would not lay flat against where the 2 diff bolts mount through. Of those that have installed a brace, is this an issue does the brace rest against the notch, or is the there an angle in the brace at that position so it misses the notch. To me this would change the angle of the diff in relation to the rear subframe. Any thoughts?

I would ditch the KG brace and go with this one.......

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...c/dscf0003.jpg

You can see installed pics here:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/kgparts-diff-brace-installed-pics-242470/

I want one of those, but I know Dragon doesnt make them anymore. Can you please a brotha out?

^
I contacted Dragon, he does not want to make them anymore. I removed my diff brace and I am in the process of making the fixture now. I am going to add a few more structural pieces, to make it even better.

The main reason I'm interested in it is b/c I want a brace that will clear my 4 inch exhaust. I've run the KG brace since 2002 and been very happy with it, but it won't bolt up with my new exhaust system. Definitely keep me posted when your brace is available, I'll take one :icon_tup:

I prefer the cradle design over the "T", I do not like the cantilever aspect of the design. With the cradle there are no leverage points, it is a complete structural support system. Simple geometry will tell you that the diff is going to bounce at the end of the "T".

This is just my preference. I am sure there will be a load of people piping up about how great the "T" is.

I have seen that thread but there are no pics of it from the side of the PPF which would tell me if the brace is actually hitting the notch. I agree with Chris it does not look like the best way to brace the diff especially if it is loading that area. I also would not like to have the studs/nuts not completely sandwich the PPF/Diff/Brace, which it looks like it does not.

Well, from no brace to the T-brace probably is great. ;) However, if you build a better mouse trap, they will buy it. :)

Here are pics of our new diff brace that we just completed.

good
 

These braces are good, but you still hit a point where you break the rear casing completely in half. (For all you newbies) I'm still looking for a brace in which the entire diff is supported, not just from the 2 front studs. I can weld, not very good but, want to try to weld something up. I haven't broken it yet, but there are several people I know who have and I think I'm next.....or Turbo Tommy.

That is the shortcoming of the torsen differential, not the bracing. When the torsen breaks it splits in half, taking out the casing. This is why people switch to the S4 TII or Kaaz LSD units.

there are a million ways to approach this....

i just bought the Banzai brace and was just about to build a brace similar to Paul_3rdgen. the subframe is out of my car and i had spent lots of time looking at all the angles..

as we all go up a bit in hp we will run into a situation where the PPF, designed for 255 flywheel hp, is past it's design parameters. it needs help or replacement. take your pick.

as the previous poster says "you still hit a point where you break the rear casing completely in half."

that's because of the huge rubber diff bushings which absolutely need to be replaced w poly and the flexibility and design of the PPF. some have replaced the PPF w a rear subframe, as Paul, and others have sought to increase the support of the stock PPF. Dragon, Banzi, KG.

if you retain the PPF you don't have to build a rear transmount.

BTW, as part of the package i strongly recommend a good engine torque brace. i run Garfinkle's excellent design. since it is in the exact longitudinal dimension as the motor mounts the ETB takes a great deal of diff braking twist out of the driveline as well as taking the load off the motor mounts.

Banzai should sell a set of poly diff bushings w the brace.

howard coleman

how many are runing a tranny brace where the ppf mount to the back of the tranny, anyone have any experience with that??pros, cons

Many of the V8 guys like myself have gone with custom diff mounts and have totally ditched any facimile of a PPF or torque arm. You have to run a trans mount like the one a-spec sells but the results are awesome.

Does anyone who has this brace notice any high rpm vibration?