how hard is a differential swap?
03-31-2003, 08:09 PM
#1
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how hard is a differential swap?
im about ready to get an aftermartket differential, either quaife or guard, and im wondering how tough this swap is going to be. how many hours of labor? any issues or is it a direct swap? would this also be a good time to have my synchros serviced?
03-31-2003, 08:14 PM
#3
Race Car
My understanding is that you will have to make sure the spacing is proper and that only shops with special equipment can do it properly. I would like to know for sure since I have an LSD unit in an early transmission I wouldn't mind having installed in my 88 turbo.
03-31-2003, 11:18 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
I have done several projects by myself, including rod bearings, turbo, head, suspension, etc, but after much research, I decided to let the professionals put in my Guards Transmission 50% LSD. While in there, I asked them to check the synchros (which are cheap). I was concerned about messing up the backlash, and properly sealing the unit. The Guards LSD is high quality and fit perfectly and is the best upgrade I have made to my car in terms of fun to drive factor. Now I can go fast in the corners !!
04-02-2003, 07:15 AM
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Like has been mentioned, it's critical to set up the differential carrier bearing preload and the engagement of the ring and pinion. Both of these are controlled by the use of special shims behind the carrier bearing inner races. Even if you change just the carrier bearings on the original differential, the manufacturing tolerances on new bearings are way outside the preload tolerance. If you change the diff. as well, then you are introducing another variable and will definitely need to set it up properly afterwards. There are some special tools involved, particularly for the ring and pinion engagement. These are really expensive and my conclusion is that for this reason, it needs to be done by a specialist with access to the correct tools.
cheers
Derek
cheers
Derek
04-02-2003, 04:34 PM
#6
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well thats exactly what i didnt want to hear, but thanks everybody, because its exactly what i needed to know. there are no such specialists that i know of in town. some mechanics have worked on 944s, and some mechanics here could probably install an aftermarket differential, but i dont think there are any here that have done both. i guess the project will be put on hold for a little while.