Replacing/rebuilding a 1.8 diff centre and Torsen swap
 

Hey guys, I've just picked up a 1.8 open diff out of a NB8A and I've got a used Torsen II centre on the way. Plan is to drop the centre in and replace the diff bushings with Energy Suspension bushings and just give it a quick clean and coat of paint.

One question though, one of my mates told me that providing my diff is in good condition, I can just mark the position of the adjusting ring and pull it out to change the centre and put it back together. Is there anything wrong with this method or should I get a dial indicator and micrometer and just double check the backlash and bearing preload?

As for the Torsen centre bearings, should I replace them as well? I've also noticed Torsen 1's come with a conical tapered bearing whereas the 2 is just a normal cylindrical bearing.

No, you absolutely have to re-adjust the settings after putting everything back together.

Might as well do it right, I was speaking to a few people over the weekend and they said the same thing. About the diff bearings, should they be replaced even if they were in good nic?

Take my word for it.... replace the bearings while you have it all apart... you will regret it if you don't.

As long as the bearings were fine when removed, you shouldn't have to replace them. I swapped a 4.3 ring and housing onto the 4.1 torsen I had and just re-used the bearings so I didn't have to get anything pressed on or off and it worked great. You have to re-adjust the bearing spacing/preload, cant guess that one. From what I remember it is a very tight tolerance. I was lucky and my father in-law had the 6 or 7" caliper needed to do the job.
Those bearings are pricey and hard to find too. I am sure its even harder for you.

You should measure it before with an indicator so you can put it back to the same setting it was before. Used gears should go back together exactly as they were so they mate like they were previously.

So I took it to a diff/gearbox shop, and got him to inspect it, he said it was all fine and don't bother with bearings as they were in great nic.

Yet to install it on the car but pretty keen to replacing the dying 1.6 non functioning VLSD