I lucked upon a Torsen LSD from a FWD Olds. I have read all of the horror stories from people who have used them and broken them in Fiero transmissions. I think I know why the failures are occuring and how they can be prevented. This LSD has a pretty high torque bias. This allows for a substantial amount of torque to be transfered to the wheel with more traction. In the FWD application, an axle extension tube is used to give almost equal length CV shafts. The diff is designed with that extension as a critical bearing load piece. When used in the standard Fiero setup, the gearset is not supported properly and can move around. When the LSD begins to "engage", the axle on the right chatters due to the movement. I think this is what was causing the diff failures. I have installed Rodney's axle bearings and this has made a huge difference. While these diffs aren't widely available, I think it is a viable option for a LSD.

Matt
3.4l DOHC Turbo

I've been impressed with your work so far!

Keep us posted!

PS: do you think there'd be a way to modify, or build easially new, a 30-40% or so bias on accell part?

Best!
Ben.

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Ben Cannon
88 Formula, T-top, Metalic Red. (2:13.138 at Sears Point) "Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives"
88 Formula, Northstar, Silver, In-Progreess. -Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"

You might be able to get somewhere with a solid lubricant coating on the cross gears. I have no idea how long that would last. Making a new diff would be very expensive, as it would require custom cross gears with a different helix angle.

Just try using an extension shaft. Modify your engine mount bracket to clear the CV joint and use the 16 1/4" axle shaft from a Grand Prix.

Is this for the "cool" factor, or are you seriously having traction problems? I used to think it would be a good idea, but if I can stand on first gear with a 430hp engine and not break traction, it's just overkill.

Dave

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