differential question

[ereckerdeet]

Howdy, I was wondering if anyone has compiled some information on differentials. Specifically, what year/models come with LSD for front, center, or back.

Searching the forums, I found posts stating all AWD's have LSD center diffs. Is this correct?
Also AWD cars came with either lsd or open rears. The sticker on my doorjam 92 laser rs 5spd turbo car says it has LSD, is it referring to center, or rear?

Is there any fluid to change on LSD's, besides standard gear oil?

Is there a way to tell if the front, center, or rear are open or LSD?

Did any 92 AWD's come with a front LSD? or were they all open? I imagine a front LSD would help in drag races, but what HP would you need one at?

I've been around for a while but this seems like a NEWB question so I'm posting it here. Thanks for any guidance!

~Eric

 

[Deadly BlaZe]

Center diff is always lsd on all awd.

Some (not all) awd's have rear lsd's. The sticker on the door jamb indicates the rear. To make sure if the rear is open or lsd (some lsd rear ends didn't have a sticker in the door jamb), check on the rear differential case, it should say Viscous LSD on it if it is lsd. Fluid for the transmission where the center visous lsd is just needs standard GL-4 gear oil. For the rear, use GL-5.

I'm not sure about the front diff.

 

[ereckerdeet]

hmm, I have the door jam sticker, but none on the differential....i imagine it could have come off at some point, or the diff could have been replaced by prior owners...

I remember reading a procedure to lift the car, hold the tires while attempting to rotate others, to verify differential functionality. Does anyone remember where this may be, or have a link handy?

basically I need to find out if my front, center, and rear are open or lsd, and if they are functioning correctly.

thanks again, and reps!

 

[Deadly BlaZe]

If your center lsd is busted, you will hear your tires dragging when you make slow tight sharp turns accompanied by a clanking sound from the transmission. If you're rear lsd is operating correctly, lift the car, spin one rear tire and the opposite side should be spinning in the same direction if it is lsd and operating correctly.

BTW, the sticker should be on the differential case next to where you see the japanese letters.