Limited slip differential

its a basic differential carrier assembly that incorporates a spring mechanism and clutch packs. when a wheel starts to spin abruptly (for example, one rear wheel hits a patch of ice), the differential carrier spring mechanism puts pressure on the clutch plates (which are virtually connected to the axles via the diff side gears) and it brings power to both wheels instead of one.

wow what a mouthful... sorry it is kinda blurry and confusing...

when you see 16 year old kids doing burn outs in their fathers pick'em up trucks, and only one wheel is spinning, that means they DO NOT have an LSD. just an 'open' differential that is doing its job by differentiating the wheel speed. a burnout where both wheels are cookin' means its got LSD, or Posi-traction

 

how would i know if its time to change diff oil? or if its a good idea to change with 105k?

 

It's not in the service manual but if you put your pinky in and it's blackish I'd change it. Even every 100k would be good. It'll save your diff plus allow you to see If there's any internal damage.

 

what if there is chips or shavings? would die out on me fast??

 

Forget the cover gasket, just use RTV. Put a bead around the cover gasket surface, and snug the bolts down.
After the RTV sets up a bit, snub the bolts down tight and fill the oil. You won't get a leak doing it this way.

 

If you have enough horse power you can spin them both with an open rear. I know my Mustang could do it! I miss that car... Oh well it has been gone since 1995. where is the smoke comming from? You know that if this car has drum brakes and something failed in the brakes then you could get smoke and grinding and not know it was the brakes. Could be a wheel bearing, broken spring in the brake assy. but just saying it smokes and grinds does not help us pinpoint the failure. If the diff did go south Craby is right it is a simple job and can be done with basic hand tools. Also you may be able to upgrade the brakes to disk if you dont already have them. The only thing you need to watch out for is 3 or 4 channel antilock. You must match the diff to the type of antilock brakes you have.

Massey

Massey