Diff questions!

[Sittin_Sidewayz]

I am running a welded diff right now in my s13, but I know sooner or later it will fail.
I have an open and a VLSD in the garage that were given to me. Now I know very little about differentials and the guy said that the VLSD was out of an S14 and the open was out of an S13 and that they both would fit.
I was told by somebody else that the VLSD might be from a J30
now I have 2 ring gears that came with them that were just sitting in the bottom of the box, one has 49 teeth, and the other has 47 teeth.


My questions are:
How can I tell what vehicle they REALLY came out of?
Are there any part numbers hidden on them?
Can I run the VLSD in my S13 case?
If anyone can give me any info on this topic please feel free to do so thanks

[ak_slick]

First off... your welded diff should never fail unless it was welded improperly.

If you are used to a welded don't run a vlsd. You won't like it as it doesn't have a "positive" locking feel.

You can run the vlsd in your s13 pumpkin so long as you have the appropriate output shaft to engage the vlsd properly.

What vehicle it came out of doesn't really matter and I don't know a way to tell.

As for the ring gear you need a matching pinion as they are made in sets. I would recommend taking the ring off your current diff and putting it on your replacement if you do switch.

But then again your welded should never break.

[s13yaobling]

yah breaking ur welded diff sucks . But like he said with good welds you'll break axles way before you break your diff. And if you need your diff welded, just hit up Jesse at Get Nutz. He did mine for a real good price.

Id say just find the parts of the VSLD and the other diff on Google images and try to match it up best you can. You'll notice the larger or longer splines and so on. GL man.

[Melonburst]

I remember getting my welded diff for 80bucks out the door, and Ace sold me one not too long ago for 120 welded. I definitely prefer the feel of welded Diffs, the "positive lock" feel Dave described is 100% true. I'd rather spend the money from a Kaaz to buy baller wheels or more tires etc. lol call me cheap I guess.

[ak_slick]

DDS Performance---> Welded diff: $60 guaranteed not to break. You will strip the ring and pinion first when it is done right.

[Robert]

I think it's preference to some extent. I actually dont like the feel of a welded diff. On the power  both are very similar in feel, but the welded seems to make the car a little more floaty off throttle (idk, maybe not). Also the transitions are much more abrupt. Then again I've had a 2 way in my s13 for a half decade, so I might be biased.

[ak_slick]

I think it's preference to some extent. I actually dont like the feel of a welded diff. On the power  both are very similar in feel, but the welded seems to make the car a little more floaty off throttle (idk, maybe not). Also the transitions are much more abrupt. Then again I've had a 2 way in my s13 for a half decade, so I might be biased.

I have driven both back to back same day a couple times. I agree with your "memory" of how the differences are.

The transitions are more "floaty" because your tires cannot slip between each other when you get off throttle like a 2-way can.

On Power 2-way and welded are identical when functioning properly.

[s13yaobling]

True statement Dave.

So conclusion is. If you never lift...it doesnt matter which you have. *thumbs up*!

[Sittin_Sidewayz]

Thanks for the info guys, Slick, that's a great idea to use my pinion and ring gear. That thought never even crossed my brain! That was my main question was the teeth on the ring gear, but if I use mine, it won't even be an issue. I am just going to stick with my welded diff for now, but build another set up and have it standing by just in case, It will be a hand full of bolts and 30 minute repair. And yeah welded is great for what am going to do with the car as long as I can put up with the constant chattering when i am cornering!!!  I am always worried that I will end up on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with a .50 cal bullet hole in my diff cover because the welds snapped and shot out a spider gear haha. Its welded pretty well, It has small steel plates welded where each spider gear meets each other so I am pretty confident that it will hold fine. I have not drifted on this particular set up yet because I bought the car with 2 dead cylinders. KA24DET with a flash tune....POP!! Then the kid just sold it to me cheap. I am in the middle of a total rebuild right now, so look for my "re build" thread.

[s13yaobling]

nice man, i wouldnt worry about your welded shootin through anything. I mean, i had my welded snap at a event. And i was running hard on it when it died..i drove it home slow and got another one swapped in. No problem.

[ak_slick]

Thanks for the info guys, Slick, that's a great idea to use my pinion and ring gear. ....

 I bought the car with 2 dead cylinders. KA24DET with a flash tune....POP!! ....

You are welcome.  I recommend a NISTune or a ROM Tune flashed to your specific vehicle tuned on the dyno at DDSPerformance. Cheaper than NISTune and sounds perfect for your needs. Way better than mail order engine self destruct chips. It's not their fault though... all they can do is guess.

[Sittin_Sidewayz]

BIKI ROM TUNE actually, haha Kyle is going to tune it if I can ever get a hold of him lol KYLE!! CALL ME!!

[ak_slick]

Sometimes it is best to just drive by his shop. He is only one man. Answering the phone every 5 minutes is tough when you have to get work done too.