Short of pulling the unit out of the car and looking, there is no absolute way
to tell. But I think the best test is to put the car in neutral with the brake
off (of course), block the front wheels, jack up ONE rear wheel and try to turn
it. If it turns freely, it's probably an open diff. If you can't turn it, it's
likely an LSD.
Things that might affect this test are:
1. If the parking brake is misadjusted or if the rear brakes are adjusted too
tight, then it might create enough drag to fool you.
2. A worn-out LSD unit might not show any drag, or minimal drag.
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Jim Moore
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2001 7:56 PM
To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Subject: LSD test
Hi everyone,
No, this isn't about drug testing. I was following the thread on how to test
for an LSD. Basically it said that if you turn the pinion flange (or
driveshaft) and both wheels turn in the same direction, then you have an LSD.
Tonight I found out that isn't necessarily so. I spun the pinion flange on my
differential and both hubs turned in the same direction. I was excited. I
thought I had an LSD. But, after pulling the 3rd member off I found out it was
an open diff. Apparently there was too much friction in the spider gears for
them to rotate in opposite directions with no drag on the axle.
So, just a word of caution about that test. It may not be totally accurate.
the best way to test, of course is to remove the 3rd member and see if you
have a clutch pack in the carrier.
Jim Moore
69 2000 Fairlady RHD
Dunkirk MD
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