anonymousagain

Search doesn't give a definitive answer - can a 5-sp LSD (1989) be swapped into an Auto (1986)?

If so, would doing so leave the 5-sp inoperative or simply functional as it was but w/out LSD?

Is such a swap complex? or just a bit of time consumption?

Appreciate any insight.

IcemanG17

I think the lSD is the same for both....but the ring-pinon are different and will not work.....

danglerb

Remove both differentials.
Remove the ring gears, ring gear stays with the tranny it came out of to match the pinion.
Swap the differentials.
Put on the ring gears.
Reinstall both differentials. Significant technical details omitted, but person doing the swap should know that kind of stuff, preload etc.

anonymousagain

Great, so provided ring/pinion remain mated to originals, the LSD itself is a swappable unit.

lol - so this means I would need to learn how to set preload and shim it properly

Anybody have a write-up on setting preload ?

Thanks guys.

James Bailey

Same slip but as noted requires experienced tech with proper tools to reset BOTH differentials.

anonymousagain

Thanks Jim! Your experience overrides my confidence (ignorance?), so it seems the next step is to discuss the task with a knowledgeable P-car mechanic and add that to the actual cost consideration.

Sure isn't like welding up the spiders on a Nova!!

IcemanG17

Let me know when you plan on doing it as I would like to help out, since I should do this myself in the future...... I think Bill might have done this before too....

Also when did you get the 83? Does it have an LSD?