Blown Diff... now what
#1
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Blown Diff... now what
So I blew my diff.... not that i"m too upset about it, but I was running a 93 with an open diff. It would seem like a Viscous is a direct drop in.. this true? I know the Torsen's also fit, but I do not want to have to go thru the hassle of the swap plus I dont autox. I found planetmiata, who sells the parts for very cheap...Anyone have experience with them?
#5
PlanetMiata is a pretty reliable vendor. I've used them for several parts and have been happy with what I got.
Like olderguy said, replacing with another 1.6 diff is just setting you up for failure again. Also, LSDs are not just for auto-xers and track guys, while you might not really "need" one, with the extra power from FI, it becomes a lot more desirable. In fact, if you are upgrading to a 1.8 diff, it's the same amount of work for both the open and Torsen so you might want to just go with the Torsen. There is also another recent thread here about a rx7 diff which can (but not always) be a cheaper alternative.
Like olderguy said, replacing with another 1.6 diff is just setting you up for failure again. Also, LSDs are not just for auto-xers and track guys, while you might not really "need" one, with the extra power from FI, it becomes a lot more desirable. In fact, if you are upgrading to a 1.8 diff, it's the same amount of work for both the open and Torsen so you might want to just go with the Torsen. There is also another recent thread here about a rx7 diff which can (but not always) be a cheaper alternative.
#7
Most of the time, with the swap to the 1.8... you need the half-shafts and a drive shaft as well.... I've have "assisted" in quite a few "upgrades"... and it looks like 90% of the time, the existing 1.6 stuff doesn't "quite" fit. <G>
Take a look at www.solomiata.com, there's some info there from Randy about the various Diff's, etc. Also I think I remember seeing a "know your diff" garage article on m.net too....
Dave,
Take a look at www.solomiata.com, there's some info there from Randy about the various Diff's, etc. Also I think I remember seeing a "know your diff" garage article on m.net too....
Dave,
#8
Originally Posted by Newbsauce
Thanks for the input... when swapping to a 1.8 is there any write up on it? Parts needed?
Install is pretty straight forward.
1) Remove exhaust and any extra bracing bars in the way.
2) Unbolt driveshaft from diff and remove.
3) Unbolt halfshafts from stub shafts on diff and secure with some wire so they don't hit the ground. Remove driveshaft nut on wheel hub. You have to use a small punch to bend the little notch on the nut back out before you remove this nut. IIRC this is a 29mm nut but I'd double check to be sure. This is where some people run into problems b/c in some cars the driveshaft is really stuck in the hub. Be careful using a hammer as it will cause the end to mushroom. I tapped it lightly with a rubber mallet and it popped right out, but some people have had to remove the entire hub. YMMV. Also, helps if you remove the upper a-arm bolt for extra clearance in removal/replacement. Remove halfshafts.
4) Unbolt the tranny from the PPF near the front. Unbolt the two big *** bolts from the back of the PPF. (I broke an impact wrench socket here and ended up using a 6 foot breaker bar so get ready to apply some serious force.)
5) Pry out the spacer (air chisel or chisel and hammer) from the front bolt. You should be able to push the PPF to the side off the diff. Some people use the BFH (big f-ing hammer) method by loosely putting the two bolts back in the PPF and hitting them with a hammer to pop out the top spacers as well. (This is reportedly the way they do it at the Dealer Alternative.) It works, but some people have had issues getting the spacers back in. FWIW, I did it this way without problems, but the factory manual tells you never to do this. YMMV.
6) Remove 4 bolts holding on the diff and have someone to help you lower it off the car with a jack as it is a pretty heavy piece.
7) Install is basically the reverse.
Last edited by brgracer; 07-31-2006 at 11:04 AM.
#11
Originally Posted by Newbsauce
One question tho.. don't I need the pinion bolt?
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Heres a final newb-like question:
Would it be advisable to buy one of the mazdaspeed differentials here?
They are around 680 dollars, and seem like they would directly replace the internals of my open diff. Then again, I could be wrong, as I don't know diffs very well.
Would it be advisable to buy one of the mazdaspeed differentials here?
They are around 680 dollars, and seem like they would directly replace the internals of my open diff. Then again, I could be wrong, as I don't know diffs very well.
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Originally Posted by Newbsauce
Heres a final newb-like question:
Would it be advisable to buy one of the mazdaspeed differentials here?
They are around 680 dollars, and seem like they would directly replace the internals of my open diff. Then again, I could be wrong, as I don't know diffs very well.
Would it be advisable to buy one of the mazdaspeed differentials here?
They are around 680 dollars, and seem like they would directly replace the internals of my open diff. Then again, I could be wrong, as I don't know diffs very well.
I had one in my miata but sadly I blew the ring/pinion gears in it in less than a week, moral of the story, they are no stronger than a stock open diff as they are still 6'' rearends.
#15
I paid $400 delivered to ATL (5 yrs ago) for an entire 1.8 setup (half shafts, drive shaft and open diff) from a place in Texas, but I can't remember the name of the salvage yard. Anybody? I found it via a site called URG - united recyclers group - http://www.u-r-g.com - just click the parts search button.
#16
Originally Posted by m2cupcar
I paid $400 delivered to ATL (5 yrs ago) for an entire 1.8 setup (half shafts, drive shaft and open diff) from a place in Texas, but I can't remember the name of the salvage yard. Anybody? I found it via a site called URG - united recyclers group - http://www.u-r-g.com - just click the parts search button.