Please Answer Simple Center Diff Question

[TalonJohn94]

Because I guess DSMtalk doesn't work anymore, and no one else knows, but anyway......

Can I use my Center Differential Unit from my 94 Tranny and use it in my 90 Trans? (both manual trans.)




I just want to know if I can do this to avoid purchasing the rebuild kit, and extra labor. Thanks for all relevant information. Really appreciate it.

 

[1LE]

I don't *think* there were any changes between those years, but can't say for certain.

 

[snake679]

I think you should be fine, but i am anot 100% sure.......let us know what you find out.

 

[TalonJohn94]

Ok, I think I'll try it, I wish I knew for certain though. I guess I could do a visual comparison --- I just wanted to know in advance. Just trying to find the right punch/hammer combo for this job can't get any leverage and I really don't want to pull the trans again. We'll see. Anyone else ever try this?

 

[TalonJohn94]

p.s. I meant the punch/hammer for the 5th gear fork roll pin.

I was worried about the spline count difference. Does this extend to this area?

No one's has used a later (1Gb) center diff unit in their earlier (1Ga) DSM?

 

[TRBOTSI]

The 90 center diff is different. you'll need a 91-94

 

[TalonJohn94]

OK, thanks! I'm sure the info can be used both ways, but... I have a 90 Trans. (+cables, shifter, etc..) in my 94. The center diff in the 90 unit is bad and I was wondering if I could use the center diff from the 94 unit as a direct replacement. But if the 90's are different, I'll have to get the rebuild kit or junkyard part or something. So the rebuild kits are different?

Part #'s for the kits different? (I really don't want to get the wrong special order parts from my local dealer... No Returns)

Spline count?

Anyone know about the detailed differences of the different years?

Thanks again.

 

[TalonJohn94]

Ok, there's a big, new problem. I get the 90 trans' center diff out. I went to put it on a towel for further inspection. A very small ball bearing fell out of somewhere ---- I have no idea where ----then I removed the 8 cover bolts to the center diff unit. The insides of the center diff. were perfect. They looked brand new. Flawless.

What could my problem be then, if not the center diff? It has all the symptoms --- Rear wheels don't want to turn around tight turns, Strange clunking from transmission, Car feels like its being held back and wants to die when backing up or turning slowly----- Does ANYONE know what else could be at fault? Where does that small ball bearing belong? Could that small bearing be the problem?

Are the same symptoms evident with a bad rear (LSD) differential? Bad transfer case?

By the way, the owner before me at one time removed the transfer case and driveshaft and just drove it as front-wheel drive after his T-case went. [I'm using different trans' (90) and T-case (22-spline)] Would him have driving it like that damage the rear LSD?

ALL relevant information is greatly appreciated!

 

[pneumo]

Driving like that would ruin the Viscous coupling, but it could also be a messed up transfer case or rear diff. Did the previous owner have a VCE? That would explain a lot.

The ball bearing goes into the hole in the side of the hollow splined shaft sticking out of the center diff. Just put it back in when you put the VC back on. There are more details plus pictures at www.VFAQ.com look under drivetrain, rebuild, and Quaife install.

 

[TalonJohn94]

I guess I was sort of unclear ...... The owner of the car drove it like this for a while... not the owner of the tranny that is on the car right now. I got the tranny and T-case from a guy for a pretty good price but it drove like it had a bad center diff. It COULD be the T-case itself though? How do I know by inspection? What about the VC? Would either of these parts be causing the symptoms that would be present w/a bad center diff?

How will I know if its the rear diff? Would should I look for there?

BTW, thanks for telling me where the ball bearing went, that was scary.

 

[redX90]

Hey gold diamond, what have you found out so far? Have a similar problem in my 90 gsx. I have a good 4 bolt rear now and TC is fine. I thought it might be the CD too. I was going to try swapping between my early 92 TSI and my 90 to see if it corrected the problem but have been looking for info on it first.

 

[TalonJohn94]

I had to rebuild my center diff. not because the spider gear wear damaged, but because the spacer on the case's top section was fused, making it a "welded" center diff. I got used parts and sent the whole unit (CD) to ShepRacing to get the Torrington bearing upgrade. Although probably not necessary for a 2-spider, I recommend doing it in order to avoid this repair in the future.

Good luck with that

 

[redX90]

Thanks for the info.