Hello. I recently installed a 1.8 rear end from a base 94. Is the driveshaft supposed to go in a certain way? I basically just removed the 1.6 driveshaft and popped the 1.8 driveshaft in and bolted it up to the 1.8 diff. Looks like it isn't "all the way" in there.. Then again I've read about the 1.8 driveshafts being shorter. Also, did I have to reuse the 1.6 ppf? I used the 1.8 diff, driveshaft, brakes, subframe, half shafts, axles, ppf, lower & upper control arms. Vehicle is still on jackstands. Please let me know as soon as possible. I don't want to experience any vibrations or binding issues.

 

Yes. I used my existing ppf, new shaft, new dif, new axles. that was it.

 

If the driveshaft was in all the way you wouldnt be able to remove it.

 

Thank you for your input. Another question. I left the car in first gear, driveshaft locks, but the wheels still could move freely (car is still on stands). Is this normal? On neutral driveshaft and wheels move freely (which is normal).

 

1 wheel should move freely while the other one rotates the opposite direction if you have the car in gear, unless you have a clutch type lsd.

 

I don't think it's LSD. It moves in opposite directions.

 

Both open and Torsen do this.

To positively identify a Torsen, look in the filler hole with a good, strong penlight. If you see spider gears, it's open.

Another way is to pull the halfshaft or stub shaft and look into the hole. If there is a spider gear axle in there, it's open.

Do a search for "Miata Differential Spotter's Guide" or similar. There's a good writeup out there with lots of pics.

 

Another way to tell if it's a torsen is to look into the hole that the axle slides into. If you can see straight through to the other side, it's a torsen.

 

I thought that is what I said. But, pic = 1000 words.

 

My bad, I only read the first method you mentioned and decided to chime in with the method that has helped me in the past.

Reading comprehension fail.