VLSD Install Q's

[S13Enthusiast]

Ran a search on the install of a VLSD, but some parts are vaguely described.

I have a couple questions about how to do this right, I've never swapped axels or a diff yet and need some help.

First off I have a S13 VLSD with 5 bolt axles going into my base '90 Hatch.

The tools I need are going to be..?

-Air Compressor
-Air impact wrench
-36mm impact socket
-Hub puller
-Replacement Axel Cotter Pins
-WD40 and PB Blaster

As far as the install goes, Do I have to remove anything to get to the 36mm axel bolt?
Am I going to have to remove the rotors or anything else to use the Hub puller? If not, does the axel nut remain off when using to the Hub puller to push the axels through?
Is there anything that needs to be replaced besides getting new cotter pins?
Is the install signifigantly harder if I do not remove the rear sway bar?

I appricate any help you can offer,

[thx247]

Remove tires to get to the bolt, rotor can stay on to pull the axle.

Sometimes dropping the diff is hard with a sway bar, putting it up can be difficult with a sway bar installed as well.

You don't need air tools though, just a breaker bar for the axle bolt.

[SauN]

Ran a search on the install of a VLSD, but some parts are vaguely described.

I have a couple questions about how to do this right, I've never swapped axels or a diff yet and need some help.

First off I have a S13 VLSD with 5 bolt axles going into my base '90 Hatch.

The tools I need are going to be..?

-Air Compressor
-Air impact wrench
-36mm impact socket
-Hub puller
-Replacement Axel Cotter Pins
-WD40 and PB Blaster

As far as the install goes, Do I have to remove anything to get to the 36mm axel bolt?
Am I going to have to remove the rotors or anything else to use the Hub puller? If not, does the axel nut remain off when using to the Hub puller to push the axels through?
Is there anything that needs to be replaced besides getting new cotter pins?
Is the install signifigantly harder if I do not remove the rear sway bar?

I appricate any help you can offer,

differential install is very easy. I also have an air compressor but only found good use for it when taking out the nut that keeps the axles on. Other than that, the impact wrench/gun is too big to fit anywhere. Taking out the differential will be tons easier without the rear sway bar, it only takes 15-20 minutes to take out but will save you a lot of headaches later on.

You actually don't need a hub puller either. I just used a flathead screwdriver and just tapped that axle out. You don't need to remove the rotor to get the axles out. Once you take everything apart, it's prett apparent what you can take out and what you shouldn't take apart. changing differentials is very easy.

[S13Enthusiast]

Should the 36mm axel bolt be the first bolts you should take off before anything else, or does the order of that matter?

[SauN]

Should the 36mm axel bolt be the first bolts you should take off before anything else, or does the order of that matter?

It doesn't really matter that much. I think the biggest thing would be to take out the nuts and bolts linking the 5-bolt shafts to the differential before taking out differential. That way, you can drop the differnetial without much hassle since the axles will be very loose.

It's pretty straightfoward. There is a write up in the installs that shows general rule of thumb to follow when swapping differentials.

[importnut]

I don't know if you've seen my write-up:

Importnut's VLSD install (http://importnut.net/lsdswap.htm)

Aside from the mounting variations, the install is the same. Yes, the swaybar is a huge pain...but if your sway bar bolts are rusty, it will be a much bigger pain to remove it.

Hope this helps,
Alex S.

[S13Enthusiast]

Thanks again for the help guys, almost done with the install, just one more question

The FSM calls for 170-231 lb\ft of torque for the 36mm main axel nut, how do I torque this to the factory setting? My torque wrench goes up to 140.

Should I just use the Dewalt electric impact wrench Ive been using to tighten it up nice and snug?

[thx247]

Cheater bar on the end of the torque wrench, stand on it. =)

I have not had a problem using only "180ft" lbs of torque on it yet. But I honestly don't know what the ramifications are of that.

[silverside]

5 bolt axles? on the sideshafts? if you have 5 star style bolt sideshafts check your axles most US sideshafts have 6 bolt pair style sideshafts :)