how to tell if its lsd???

[gotta240]

I've heard it before, but what is the method for determining if a car has a lsd or vlsd. Without pulling it...

Something made me think you had to lock/hold the driveshaft and spin one tire. If the opposite moves the same way its lsd, if not, then its not lsd. Just found out thats not correct because i just found a spare lsd and tried it...but the opposite axle spins the opposite way...

Do you do the test w/ the driveshaft free?

[5t341tH]

turn ur wheel one way, floor the gas. if theres 2 lines u have lsd
:)

[zaneithan]

there should also be an orange sticker that says vlsd on the back of the diff casing, i dont think you have to pull the diff in order to see it

[gotta240]

lol. Thanks guys, but i already new that. I'm wondering what the psyical test is...

I have a few diffs laying around...not all have the original covers and one is a toy diff in the axle(dont want to dissasemble)...also wondering for junkyard runs when time is important and cars are already jacked off the ground.

So, anyone know what i'm talking about?

[YOURPLOWEDBITCH]

On vehicle jack up vehicle turn one wheel any direction you want and teh other shoudl follow in the same direction.

Off vehice try and turn both output shaft in opposite directions a good VLSD you will not be able to do this........a worn VLSD you will be able to do it a tiny bit with alot of resistance......so your looking for one with no give if yoru smart

[chibo]

A VLSD should spin them the same direction unless it's worn, a HLSD will spin them opposite directions.

[brokeAs240sx]

The best (imho) way to tell is to remove the rear cover.

An open diff will look like this:

driftfactory pic of s13 open diff (behold the openness & spider gear in center)
http://www.driftfactory.com/lsdinstall3.jpg

miata.net picture of a miata vlsd (should look similar enough for s13 viscous - notice the center is different)
http://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/03.jpg

[tru_40sx]

correct me if im wrong,but u can also tell by the diff cover, more fins that an open diff.

[zugoi]

well it can also be a stock open diff with lsd swapped in.You cant always tell by just looking at it.

[ladiesman8527]

correct me if im wrong,but u can also tell by the diff cover, more fins that an open diff.

s13's have finned diff covers like the one below.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/JDMDrifter/P1010107.jpg

s14's/j30's diff covers are round and smooth like the one below.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f7/JDMDrifter/P1010104.jpg

so visual identification without the cover off is a no unless u see the orange sticker.

[gotta240]

ok. Yes, i know what they look like on the outside, just wondering how to tell if the internals match up.

Does the imput shaft have to be held still, or let it spin freely when doing the test???

[projectRDM]

correct me if im wrong,but u can also tell by the diff cover, more fins that an open diff.

Not always true. Early Z32 diffs are finned, later ones are not, same as J30.

[cotbu]

Say you have 3 pumpkins laying on the ground(r200)(no stickers)(covers painted black) and a direct s13 swap, how would you choose or describe each diff?
the other info you have is
1, is an open diff
1, is a VLSD and
1, is has a Nismo LSD
This is what he's asking? You can take the cover off if you buy it 1st!

[chibo]

ok. Yes, i know what they look like on the outside, just wondering how to tell if the internals match up.

Does the imput shaft have to be held still, or let it spin freely when doing the test???
Let it spin.

[s13.4kouki]

does it make you see things? if not, it probably isn't lsd.

[steve shadows]

step 1 get a Hammer

step 2 get a vice

step 3 get a bottle of Stoly

step 4 hit your wife/gf

step 5 put the bish in a vice

step 6 hit the bish with the hammer

step 7 crack it open like a coconut...

eh

bish = diff

what did you think i meant?





Turn one ouput shaft, an LSD of any kind will spin the reflective output shaft at the same time, so they spin together hence the two wheels engage the pavement at the exact same time minus some give depending on whether its VLSD or Clutch Type etc.

[gotta240]

Ok. just making sure the driveshaft is supposed to spin free when doing the test.

Because when you hold the driveshaft, they spin opposite ways...but when the driveshaft spins, both wheels go the same way.... therefore i'm assuming they are all lsd's or vlsds....thanks!

[lilredstiffy]

usually the vlsd have an orange sticker. best way to tell

the whole spin this wheel and duck duck goose is a crapshoot

ps- vlsds suck ass

[gotta240]

WHAT THE FUCK!?!?!

What do you mean its a crapshoot? Seriously, isn't there a simple "spin this and look for this" method??

Just because the diff has a sticker doesn't mean its lsd or vlsd. It could have been swapped or just have the sticker placed on it by some dumbass. YES, i could just take the diff out, but i want to know the EASY way to tell...that way i don't waste my time laying in mud or dirt at a junkyard, and also that way i don't have to take the diff out of a car just to tell if it is or isn't.

SO, is anyone SURE of how to tell easily by spinning the axle or driveshaft?

[aznpoopy]

edit: nvm. read the thread wrong.

[lilredstiffy]

WHAT THE FUCK!?!?!

What do you mean its a crapshoot? Seriously, isn't there a simple "spin this and look for this" method??

Just because the diff has a sticker doesn't mean its lsd or vlsd. It could have been swapped or just have the sticker placed on it by some dumbass. YES, i could just take the diff out, but i want to know the EASY way to tell...that way i don't waste my time laying in mud or dirt at a junkyard, and also that way i don't have to take the diff out of a car just to tell if it is or isn't.

SO, is anyone SURE of how to tell easily by spinning the axle or driveshaft?

There isn't a 'simple spin this and look for this' because an open diff can sometimes 'pass' some of the tests e-people suggest and vlsd's don't always engage properly.

Straight up this is the best way to tell if you s13 has a vlsd without removing rear cover, see the orange sticker/rear cover design? If you don't see a sticker or have a normal rear cover, remove the rear cover, its not hard, I remove the diff in about 15 minutes everytime i want to change my lsd fluid.
http://members.cox.net/dorifto1/august2.jpg

[gotta240]

ok.. thanks.. thats what i wanted to know(not what i wanted to hear, but what i wanted to know)

thanks! and btw- LOL at your sig...hilarious.