Can you change ring and pinion on vlsd?
 

I seem to have killed my rear end. Not trying to spend the $$ on a torsen at the moment i was wondering if you can change the ring and pinon on the vlsd. Ive read its not servicable but does that just mean the actual limited slip part or does it also mean you cant change out the ring and pinion on it?

I'd have to check, but I'd be willing to bet you could get a complete vLSD for what the ring and pinion cost.

*if you can get them (R&P)

Ya she may end up parked for a minute...

I don't see why not. You may even be able to check other Ford/Mazda vehicles for possible compatibility.

You can change the ring and pinion on a vlsd. The lsd itself is the portion that is not servicable.

Forgive my ignorance, but why not? Maybe there's just no parts available off the shelf?

Someone made it in the first place, there's gotta be a way to refurb it. Maybe not very cost effective, but it's gotta be possible.

Yes, you can freely replace the ring & pinion gears on a 1.6-style VLSD. So far as I am aware, they are interchangeable with the R&P gears on the open 1.6 diffs.

I assume that you're thinking of souring a functional open-style 1.6 diff and transplanting your VLSD into it?

I believe it is because of the way it is manufactered. It is a sealed unit that works with a thick fluid.

If something happens to the components or the fluid, and one takes it apart, there is no way to fix it, refill it, and seal it properly. At least no one has bothered to figure out a way to do it.

The later clutch types and larger diff sizes made them too obsolete to bother with. That is my guess anyways.

Thanks. Personally, I had never heard of such a unit before I got the Miata. Never seen one, but I'd like to get my hands on one just to take it apart and see how it's built.

Ya viscous couplings are non serviceable i know that from prior experiences.
Ok next question: Is it worth it?
From the lil research i did its like $300 for a decent ring and pinion.. so its prolly more worth it to bite the bullet and spenn $500-1000 on a torsen swap and just boost to oblivion and forget about it.

If i could rebuild the rear end for under $200 id do it but i think a torsen swap is the proper decision. As much as i dont wanna spend the money, being unemployed and all i think just waiting might be the best bet.

The best solution is to swap in the 1.8 diff for sure. Perhaps get one that is open for less money and install a torsen and gears of your choice when you can afford it.

You may find that you will continue breaking the gears in the weak 1.6 diff. I broke two sets when I had a 1.6 way back. Continued failure starts to add up.

OBX diff! They can be had for fairly cheap. You'd still have to source a 1.8 housing, I believe.

If you really want to go the route of replacing the ring and pinion, I have a new set you can have for $100 plus shipping.

Personally I would put the money toward a 1.8 open setup(if you can't afford a torsen now) and throw a torsen in later.

I may have to hit you up on that olderguy.... Im trying to do it cheaply as i am unemployed right now. However ive got some cars im fixing right now to go up for sale and a ton of tax money coming back so im gona think about what im gona do and finish pulling the diff off/apart sometime this week when i pick up my tools..

Just sucks i only make it 1 week on the new engine and was thinking id be good for a while and this happens while im dialing in the turbo...

Why would you want to?