How can I tell if I have an open diff or VLSD?

[Chrisw]

First off... MY DIFF is welded closed so short of opening the diff case is there a way to tell which one I have? Some other tell tale signs that can be seen on the outside...

[ms!3]

A 20 y/o vlsd is an open differential. So either way one tire fire.

[nautical miles]

jack the rear wheels up... spin the tires. should both spin in opposite directions.

[Chrisw]

jack the rear wheels up... spin the tires. should both spin in opposite directions.

Diff is welded so they spin together all the time. I want to know if it WAS an open or VLSD. I need to buy a new diff and guess I need to know which case I have before I order the new diff...

[nautical miles]

is there a part number on the case? or perhaps the orange sticker which says vlsd?

[1on1]

Rally Anarchy - Don't Panic :: Construction Zone (http://www.rallyanarchy.com/phorum/file.php?5,file=1698,filename=tons_of_weld.jpg)

open diff welded

[Chrisw]

Link doesn't say, and I can't seem to find a sticker or anything.

I thought I was like opens are 6 bolts or something... No?

[mxexux]

The VLSD's came with either 5-bolt or 6-bolt. So unfortunately you're probably going to have to crack it open....

[soreballz]

Since it's already welded, it's fairly safe to assume that it was an open diff.

[Chrisw]

Ok, I think it was an open but I'll check. Were open diff and VLSD diff pumpkins different on the inside?

[lflkajfj12123]

it's an open diff

[nautical miles]

well i dont know if this helps you but i found an informative piece of information

Diff identification help? - Drifting forum - Driftworks (http://www.driftworks.com/forum/technical/65994-diff-identification-help.html)

also during the search i found someone saying the vlsd had cooling fins on their diff covers... never heard if this before. but if someone else can confirm it... i dont know.

[Perfect Balance]

A welded VSLD?

Wat?


Also, all 3 of my open diffs have cooling fins on the diff covers.

+1 on it being a welded open diff.

[I<3Panda86]

Unless there is a way to weld liquid that I haven't heard of, it's an open diff.

VLSD's use a non-Newtonian fluid to lock the axles, which means it can't be welded.

[soreballz]

Also, all 3 of my open diffs have cooling fins on the diff covers.

All of them have cooling fins. The difference is larger capacity.

Open diff S13:
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/5606/000005c.jpg

VLSD S13:
http://www.prmsg.org/albums/album120/S13_diff_cover.sized.jpg

[Q.Smooth127]

All of them have cooling fins. The difference is larger capacity.

Open diff S13:
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/5606/000005c.jpg

VLSD S13:
http://www.prmsg.org/albums/album120/S13_diff_cover.sized.jpg
here is your answer.

now i await someone to ask
"can you put a welded open diff with a VLSD cover"

[wh0aitznic0]

You can weld VLSD?

Chances are, if it's welded, it was originally an OPEN diff.

[soreballz]

I saw a pic somewhere years ago of a VLSD unit that was "welded" into a fully locked position. Apparently, it can be done, but isn't done often because it's a dumb thing to do.

Edit - Here:
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q42/willg180/S13/s13-mig.jpg

[Chrisw]

K. Thanks guys! Problem solved.