Removing Viscous Couppler when welding Diff. Do you have to?

[carbonfire]

Ok I am wondering if I have to remove the viscous couppler when I install a welded center diff.... I mean what harm could it be to leave it in there... I realize it will most likely distroy the couppler from ever working right again, but if I dont care about that will it really hurt anything.....

Or if I have to remove it what do I need to do.... or what is ment by cutting it down? And with what.... I understand how to weld the center diff, but do not understand the whole VC removal, if it is a have to do or not.

 

[4pistons]

You MUST reinstall the Viscous Coupler!! It captures the little retaining ball which is the only thing holding the output shaft in. You could install a Viscous Coupler Eliminator or cut down the VC (basically the same thing) but SOMETHING must retain that ball.

Cutting down the VC means you cut off everything except the "collar" that slides on the shaft so the ball is retained and a chunk of rotating mass is eliminated. By welding the center diff you've eliminated all function of the VC so it's just dead weight. You won't ruin it since it's not operating.

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[GRNDSM]

TRE used to sell a sleve to perform the function of keeping that ball in place. I am not sure if they still do, but I would check around.

But you definitely need something there or you will ruin your transfer case shaft seal in the tranny.

 

[graf703]

So after going with these statements above.

When I did my clutch the the output shaft to the transfer case slid back and forth making the transfer case a pita to get off and also ruining the output shaft seal. Hence the second time i've done my clutch in under a year.

I'm wondering if this is confirmation that my center diff is welded. As it has most other symptoms and the previous own is unkown.

Summarize: If the shaft moves that means I have no VC correct? Which means they are welded.

Thanks...

 

[4pistons]

If the shaft moves that means I have no VC correct? Which means they are welded

NO! If the shaft moves back and forth then the retaining ball is not holding it. It could mean the ball is missing, it could mean the VC is missing. It does not indicate in any way whether or not the center diff is welded. That has nothing to do with it. I'd be concerned WHY the shaft is not retained. Did someone not rebuild it properly or did something break?

Are your output shaft splines worn and shiny? If so, you'll need to replace it, and the input shaft of the x-fer case, while you're in there.

rick - '91 GSX

 

[graf703]

I'm assuming someone didn't rebuild it properly... I pulled the shaft out when I did the clutch and nothing looks worn or broken.... interesting. Oh well, it drives it just drives like a welded diff.