Replacing the diff
Author
Discussion

jjabennett

Original Poster:

28 posts

215 months

Saturday 17th September 2011
quotequote all
Just purchased an torsen lsd for my 1.8 Mk1. Before i start fitting it, any special tools i will need or other stuff that i should replace at the same time?All suggestions welcome. Thanks

Richyvrlimited

1,870 posts

186 months

Sunday 18th September 2011
quotequote all
jjabennett said:
Just purchased an torsen lsd for my 1.8 Mk1. Before i start fitting it, any special tools i will need or other stuff that i should replace at the same time?All suggestions welcome. Thanks
No special tools required.

Remove the PPF from the gearbox, then pull the diff and the PPF as one unit. It's nigh on impossible to remove the diff from the PPF with it in-situ due to a recessed sleeve on the top of the diff/ppf.

Shouldn't take more than 1/2 a day single handed - though a 2nd pair of hands makes getting the diff back in place much easier.

rob0971

74 posts

191 months

Sunday 18th September 2011
quotequote all
Put a straight edge across the rails underneath & measure to the flat on the bottom of the box. When you put the ppf back on the gearbox, jack up the box until you get the same measurement & then do up the ppf bolts. This will stop the really annoying gear lash noise you will get if this measurement is wrong.

Pete Franklin

849 posts

204 months

Tuesday 20th September 2011
quotequote all
Richyvrlimited said:
Remove the PPF from the gearbox, then pull the diff and the PPF as one unit. It's nigh on impossible to remove the diff from the PPF with it in-situ due to a recessed sleeve on the top of the diff/ppf.
I dissagree with this. i didnt find removing the diff from the ppf a problem. just took out the big bolt, took out the small bolt and then put the small bolt back up and used a club hammer to pop the sleeve out. only took a couple of minutes. it was the rusted/ seized bolts on the diff mounting that took the time when i did mine.

I would check the side oil seals on the replacement diff. if they look at all worn or have been damaged during removal it might be worth replacing. also depending on how you do the job you will remove brake calipers or suspension components so might be worth checking them when they are off.

Replacing an open diff with a torsen has made the car so much more entertaining to drive. Really didnt think it would make as much difference as it did.

Edited by Pete Franklin on Tuesday 20th September 14:32

JamesTheSmith

8 posts

211 months

Thursday 22nd September 2011
quotequote all
Glad it arrived safely! I got away with not removing the PPF from the gearbox - saves having to align it afterwards. You don't want to risk misaligning it and causing gear lash!