R32/r33 Diff Compatibility

[zac the muss]

Hi guys. Im wanting to swap the diff insert/pumpkin with matching 4.1 crown and pinion from an r33 into an r32 diff housing. My current diff has done a few k's and is getting a but tired and rumbly. I have done the usual google searching so know about different sized crown wheel bolts etc but haven't managed to get a straight answer. The r33 diff is not abs whereas my r32 one is. It will be sent off to the diff guy to get setup properly but don't want to dick around machining bits just wondering if it's an easy swap over, particularly with the pinion.

It would be nice to hear from someone who knows and has either done or tried the swap.

[GTSBoy]

Same same. I have S15 centre with R34 CW&P on it in R32 housing. I needed different stub axles because of the helical centre, but if you're swapping from R32 viscous to R33 viscous your stub axles will fit. You will almost certainly need new seals, and it will certainly need to be set up by a diff specialist to make it right.

But......I cannot imagine why anyone would spend the money to a) buy another viscous diff with the intention of using the centre, b) actually then pay someone to install it into a housing, and c) use it. You should get a mechanical LSD, or a helical, and put that in instead. VLSDs are useless. The R33s are not much younger than the R32s now and are therefore equally rooted.

Do not do it.

[zac the muss]

All i am really concerned about is if the non abs R33 pinion will go into the R32 abs housing. I have heard of different pinion lengths and bearing types.

The diff is out of a mates car and only has 60,000 ks on it so its pretty tidy.

The car is mostly street driven and i just need a decent diff that doesnt rattle and viabrate.

viscous diffs arent that bad as long as you dont expect too much fron them or drive like a complete monkey.

[GTSBoy]

viscous diffs arent that bad as long as you dont expect them to do anything useful.

Fixed.