Unknown Diff

[milesprwr]

How can you tell what kind of differential your car has? The S13 I picked up had one but the owner didn't know what kind it had. Judging by the differential info that I've been reading up on, this one has to be a 2 way or a welded.

The only clue I've got as to what it is is on slow turns, I can hear chirping from one of the rear tires. No other noise besides that. Also, when I try to roll into a parking spot (in neutral), I can't since one of the tires is locking up I guess. Would this mean it's a welded diff since it's locking all the time versus a 2 way which should only be locking while I'm accelerating or decelerating?

I guess what I'm asking is can you tell what kind of diff (2 way or welded) a car has just by driving it? Should there be any other sounds associated with a welded or a 2 way diff in a slow turn?

Thanks

[FaLKoN240]

If it was a real 2 way you should hear clunking coming from the diff..

Otherwise from the sounds of it, it's a welded.

[LongGrain]

sounds like a welded to me.

[milesprwr]

thanks for the replies - besides the clunking noise, would there be any other way to tell if a car had a 2 way by driving it?

[Addicted2Kouki]

The clunking noise is noticeable, no way to mistake it.

If you are chirping tires in the parking lot, its a welded.

[milesprwr]

I see. So if you were driving with a 2 way in the parking lot, the clunking from the 2 way would be the only sound you would be getting (no chirping from the tires)?

[1slowS13]

welded = chirping tires
2 way = clunking diff while tires are chirping

[milesprwr]

So what's the difference between a welded and a 2 way when it comes to driving it around? They both make the tires chirp but a 2 way is a little noisier due to the clutch plates? Is one "safer" to drive then the other?

I've read that some 2 way's also have some adjustability, how does that factor in?

[FaLKoN240]

Both are safe to drive around.

How safe it is to drive is to be determined by the sack of meat between the seat and the wheel.

[aNskY]

Both are safe to drive around.

How safe it is to drive is to be determined by the sack of meat between the seat and the wheel.

and who welded the diff and how... if a weld breaks and lodges itself between gears in the diff you WILL crash.

[FaLKoN240]

and who welded the diff and how... if a weld breaks and lodges itself between gears in the diff you WILL crash.

I know someone that had a welded and didn't put oil in it.

Their diff seized and they didn't crash.

Like I said, crashing with a welded diff is determined by the meat bag piloting the car.

[!Zar!]

I know someone that had a welded and didn't put oil in it.

Their diff seized and they did crash.

[aNskY]

:lol: who doesnt put oil in their diff? seriously how can you overlook that?

[projectRDM]

:lol: who doesnt put oil in their diff? seriously how can you overlook that?

240SX owners. The same kids who buy an $800 bent chassis and throw a 250hp engine into it without touching anything else, then wonder why it's wrapped around a tree three days later.

[HS13KLS]

that is totally welded..

i have a KAAZ, and its HELLA agressive. and it clunks really hard..