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1G To weld the center diff or not That is the question!

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Charliethatguy

5+ Year Contributor
47
13
Apr 14, 2018
Madison, Wisconsin
Ok So here is the deal. I have the common 2nd gear grind in my trans and am looking to do a rebuild. I have done some research and one of the mods I see guys talking about is Welding the center diff. I have read the threads and some swear by them and some say to stay away. My main question is at what power level do you need to consider doing this and would you recommend it for my current build below.

1992 Eagle Talon Tsi
1991 Trans
Stock Drive train besides new front axles
16G and bolt ons
making 350 hp according to Ecm link.
Goal is around 450 for hp

Any Input is appreciated!
 
It's not a power thing, it's got more to do with how often you drag race it. A welded center diff is hell on a street car, and utterly pointless if you're not racing it.
 
If you weld your diff, you have to make sure it is a quality weld or else it will break and your diff will be toast from the debris.

But I don't recommend it if you drive much because it will eat up your tires and negatively effect your steering.

Drag strip = yes
Street = no
 
I have my diff welded, flyin' miata power steering delete and drive my car often, essentially DD. I didn't have a better monetary option when I redid the trans.

Its not great to drive in a daily, but it's not horrible, just be aware things get rough when you have to make tight turns. Mine is worse than most since I don't have power steering either, but if I were in the same position, I wouldn't hesitate to weld it again.

If money is not as tight, a 4 spider diff is a very nice option, @bastarddsm makes a very nice one that will hold gobs of power, but still give you drivability. It's spendy and idk if he has parts for them currently, there are other vendors that can do the same such as @twicks69 maybe?

Basically, if you want stock-like drivability with better power handling and it's not a sole drag car, a 4 spider is good for you as long as you don't mind spending the money on it.
If you want the ultimate in power holding, drivability-be-dammed, welded works great and is cheap. Just don't be bummed when it's a bicth to drive in the parking lot.

Also FWIW, I welded mine in my shop with a mig welder and pre-heating with a rose-bud. Has ~25-30 drag passes/hard launches on it and 20+k miles, zero issues.
 
Ok I mostly do street pulls and only take it out for a highway or strip cruise. I just read that the stock 2 gear can cause strain on other drivetrain parts and make them break sooner. If I would weld it I would have jacks do it when I send them my gear sets so the quality wouldnt be an issue. Im just worried about hurting the trans parts if I dont do it.
 
I’ve had two 4 spiders and two welded diffs. I have power steering. It’s fine. You only really notice it on u-turns. These cars have a horrific turning radius already so it’s not like you won’t be making a 3 point turn anyways. Send it out to Jack’s.
 
I also have a welded diff on my 1g and had 4 spider on my old 2g. 4 spider was nice, no problems driving street and launches at track (407 to the wheels). The welded is a pain like everyone mentioned especially in reverse, forward isn’t as bad and manageable. If you parallel park often, I wouldn’t recommend it.
 
This is what happens when you launch on a stock or 4 spider diff.
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This is a welded diff launch, much smoother.

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Yeah no this would be a street car. I don't street park it so it would never be parallel parked. I was just worried about maybe breaking more drive train parts if I welded it. Its on street tires
 
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