Anybody go to the trouble to remove that thing?
The automatics didn’t have it and 1.6l’s didn’t have it so I can’t believe that it is too critical. Looks like it must weigh a couple pounds; a couple pounds of rotating weight Id rather not have on my drive train if it is only there for a minor vibration concern.

I thought about getting a flange from an auto but it doesn’t look like I can find one for cheap. So I’m thinking of hacking away to remove one.

What I’m talking about can be seen here.
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html

Bob

 

I currently don't have one and Ben isn't running one either. I'm not sure what we do to our cars, but on both of them the rubber started to separate and it would move freely. He did the removal job on both diffs and there hasn't been any problems yet.

 

How ling has it been since it was removed? Any idea how much it weighs?

Have a great day,
Jared

 

I'd say about 4-5lbs. It's pretty solid. I took it off my 96 (w/lsd) and ran it like that for 150k mile (between having that diff on my 96 and my 99) with no problems.

 

I just took it off. With the damper the input flange is just under 4 lbs. With the damper and rubber removed it is just less than 2 lbs. The mass damper is right at 2 lbs by itself.

Bob

 

Nice.

I will be taking mine off asap.

Thanks for the great info.

 

Troy that should help you out a bit.. Sounds like a good idea.

 

Damn, I always thought it had a small part in why 1.8 diffs are stronger than 1.6 diffs, transfering less of the harshness. JayL and Dopple aren't exactly nice to their cars though...

What is it then, just a rubber disc molded on behind the flange?

 

Yep, just a rubber disc molded on behind the flange. Most likely just a NVH type of thing.