Lsd Help

[Cassbo]

I've owned my car for exactly 5 months and 3 days (what? doesn't everyone keep count? ) and have mostly avoided catching the modding bug that everyone tells me I will get pulled into kicking and screaming. Now I want to bite the bullet and try for just one, and hopefully I won't go for more.

I want to get an LSD, specifically a 1.5 way, mainly because what I've been reading it will make the car grip to the road better, while not being a total pig to drive like a full 2 way. Not that it doesn't grip to the road already, I always think more is better and it seems rare for people to go for handling mods before power, and I do like being the non-comformist. But before I lay down the $1000 or so (which is my guess) I want some questions answered.

1. Does having a LSD make THAT much of a difference? I don't plan to make great times on a quarter mile, but I do like pinning my car around a corner and having it do exactly what I expect it to.

2. Kaaz, Cusco or other? Kaaz seems cheaper, but I'm told the Cusco will last longer and work better. For this reason I'm leaning towards Cusco, keep Japanese parts in my car . Is there any other brand I should be looking at?

3. Will I need to shorten the axles? One of the guys I work with said I would have to. Sounds like a pain lol

4. If the above answer is no, are they easy to change? If I rate changing a water pump, timing belt and radiator in a R31 Skyline on my driveway at home to be 4/10, what would you guess I would rate a LSD installation as? Another guy at work says a diff swap between two cars can be done in around 2 hours, that sounds right?

5. I plan on keeping my HICAS, will this make a difference to the choice I should make? I imagine not, but I could be mistaken.

Well I can't think of any more questions, any help on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

[bubba]

I just put a Nismo 2way in my car yesterday, had the centre put in another housing with different gears by a pro. Was a little concerned when I realised I got a pair of right side halfshaft/flangeaxle thingos but after looking at the standard ones there was no way they would work. The Nismo came as basically a full rebuild kit, new bearings, seals, flanges, bolts etc.

Bit clunky but expected that, certainly a LOT more drive out of corners and a lot more predictable. I do have HICAS removed aswell so with the nice suspension and no computer steering for me it's a thoroughly enjoyable drive

[Duncan]

1. not really except in tighter corners at full throttle - it really doesnt make much difference on street driving.

2. absolutely no idea. I'd be surprised if there was much difference

3. not if you get the right diff centre for your car. either way you only have to change half shafts not shorten the axles

5. no. but not sure why you would want to keep it - it really just causes problems.

[skylinegtts]

ok well i may be of a bit of help

i changed my diff last week with the help of my workmate, it was lucky he was there otherwise it would have taken me twice as long. im just a bit slow when it comes to doing things the first time. but i think if u buy one specifically for your car it should be a breeze a straight swap. just need a bit of elbow grease as all the bolts are very tight. i remember a workshop telling me it takes about 4 hrs or something.

also mite aswell take out hicas at the same time, lock bar is only $100 or so and u just need to take the plug out much easier than in the 32. not sure if that helps.

[Duncan]

but you need to be careful. If you are swapping the whole diff unit thats fine, its just bolt out and back in.

If you are just changing the diff centre you need to adjust it after you put the centre in - if you are not sure what you are doing get a diff shop to do it for you - incorrect backlash causes a nasty clunk and will ultimately kill your diff.