Can I swap a rear limited slip with a open diff?

[Phoenix99]

Hi ,

I got a 3.73 limited slip rear end on a 02 exploder , the clutches needs a replacement and the bearings too.

Can I just slam in a open diff instead? they run on ebay for 50$

Question #2 , is it a 31 spline?

 

[IZwack]

Yes its 31 spline.

Generally people dont do carrier swaps themselves. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can give it a whirl -- it takes plenty of patience, time, gear marking compound, a shim stack set, the new carrier, a torque wrench, and a vernier caliper (the shims are measured in thousandths of an inch).

 

[Phoenix99]

Well thank you sir for the fast answer

Time and tools are not a problem , I'm a former mechanic in a Saturn dealer. It's just the 4x4 part that I needed some help , I havnt touched a diff since mechanic school


Thank you.

 

[IZwack]

Oh and the open differential you get, make sure its a "loaded" differential -- meaning the spider gears are included, because the spider gears between the limited slip and non-limited slip are probably different (due to the clutch packs behind the two side gears).

 

[ericautopart]

I'll sell you a loaded open w/ about 20 miles on it right now for 93 + shipping if you don't want to wait and bid. I've also got replacment Limited Slips for 190.00 they have about 4 miles on them.

 

[Phoenix99]

Oh and the open differential you get, make sure its a "loaded" differential -- meaning the spider gears are included, because the spider gears between the limited slip and non-limited slip are probably different (due to the clutch packs behind the two side gears).

Roger that

Is there any differance in terms of drivablility between the LSD and open? I dont do any offroading , the 4x4 comes handy for me only in the winter (lots of snow)

I'll sell you a loaded open w/ about 20 miles on it right now for 93 + shipping if you don't want to wait and bid. I've also got replacment Limited Slips for 190.00 they have about 4 miles on them.

I will contact you shortly. Thanks

 

[ericautopart]

Is there any differance in terms of drivablility between the LSD and open? I dont do any offroading , the 4x4 comes handy for me only in the winter (lots of snow)

Honestly, I'd buy an open diff. They are more reliable and EASY to rebuild.

I will contact you shortly. Thanks

I'll be here till 5PM Est.

 

[HahnsB2]

Yes its 31 spline.

Generally people dont do carrier swaps themselves. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can give it a whirl -- it takes plenty of patience, time, gear marking compound, a shim stack set, the new carrier, a torque wrench, and a vernier caliper (the shims are measured in thousandths of an inch).

Carrier swaps don't really need any gear set-up since the pinion stays the same depth, I used the shims and races that were originally with the open carrier (I put in the open carrier to use a lock-right) and backlash was within spec, driven it over a year now daily with no problems. I know a couple other people who have done the same thing too.

 

[MrShorty]

Is there any differance in terms of drivablility between the LSD and open? I dont do any offroading , the 4x4 comes handy for me only in the winter (lots of snow)

When the clutches are worn out, the LSD becomes an open diff (with a little bit weaker carrier because of the notches that are cut out for the clutches). Considering what you've said here, is it worth the effort to put an open carrier in there? I'd most likely just leave the LSD carrier in there with worn out clutches and pretend it's an open carrier.

 

[IZwack]

Carrier swaps don't really need any gear set-up since the pinion stays the same depth, I used the shims and races that were originally with the open carrier (I put in the open carrier to use a lock-right) and backlash was within spec, driven it over a year now daily with no problems. I know a couple other people who have done the same thing too.

If that works then thats cool -- but that's taking quite a chance (but then I guess everything is ). I would still use gear marking compound to check pattern.

 

[Phoenix99]

When the clutches are worn out, the LSD becomes an open diff (with a little bit weaker carrier because of the notches that are cut out for the clutches). Considering what you've said here, is it worth the effort to put an open carrier in there? I'd most likely just leave the LSD carrier in there with worn out clutches and pretend it's an open carrier.

Im changing it because it:

1- High pitch whine.
2- Shutters like hell when turning in low speeds

Which , with a little research seems to me like the clutches. So with a open diff I

1- Grab a 50$ replacement unit
2- Dont have to bother with gay clutches ever again.

Thats why