Miata List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: puppy (Andrew Koch)

Alright, as you all know, I jsut got myself a '95.

Now, it has:
Power Windows and Mirrors
Dual Airbags
Power Steering

It doesn't have ABS...

Now, does this car have an LSD or an Open Diff? How can I tell for
sure without lifting the back end off the ground?

Also, is there any way to LOOK at the diff from my '91 (Which is
sitting in my garage) and tell whether it's an Open or an LSD?

Thanks all!

--
Andrew Koch
Website: lildobe.net

Maintain thy airspeed lest the earth
shall rise up and smite thee!

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: keith (Keith Tanner)

>Now, does this car have an LSD or an Open Diff? How can I tell for
>sure without lifting the back end off the ground?

Put one wheel on pavement and the other on something slippery like grass or
gravel. Apply power. If the slippery wheel spins, it's an open diff.

>Also, is there any way to LOOK at the diff from my '91 (Which is
>sitting in my garage) and tell whether it's an Open or an LSD?

Yup.
gvii.net/dlralt/OTC/OTC_diffs.jpg
The diff in the foreground is a Torsen LSD, the background is a clutch pack
(which also looks like a viscous). If you don't see worm gears but rather
just spiders (keith.miata.net/landy/images/diff_new.jpg for a
non-Miata version) then it's open.

Keith

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Scot Zediker" <roadsterboy (Scot Zediker)

Judging from the other equipment you listed, you probably have an A or B
package (or a PEP, don't recall whether Mazda used that designation in '95).
So most likely your '95 does have a Torsen.

As for your '91, the best way to tell if it's open or LSD (which would be a
viscous LSD rather than a Torsen) is to hold the pinion shaft in place and
spin one of the stub shafts. If the other stub spins in the opposite
direction, it's an open diff. If it's still on a car, you can do this with
the rear end jacked up and the car in gear. With it out of the car, well,
just use your hands.

Scot


----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Koch" <(email redacted)>
To: "Miata Enthusiast's List" <(email redacted)>
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2003 2:18 PM
Subject: [Miata] Differential Identification Questions...


> Alright, as you all know, I jsut got myself a '95.
>
> Now, it has:
> Power Windows and Mirrors
> Dual Airbags
> Power Steering
>
> It doesn't have ABS...
>
> Now, does this car have an LSD or an Open Diff? How can I tell for
> sure without lifting the back end off the ground?
>
> Also, is there any way to LOOK at the diff from my '91 (Which is
> sitting in my garage) and tell whether it's an Open or an LSD?
>
> Thanks all!
>
> --
> Andrew Koch
> Website: lildobe.net
>
> Maintain thy airspeed lest the earth
> shall rise up and smite thee!
> _______________________________________________
> Miata mailing list
> (email redacted)
> realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/miata

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: john.freas (John Freas)

Previously on Differential Identification, "Scot Zediker"
<(email redacted)> said...

> Judging from the other equipment you listed, you probably have an A or B
> package (or a PEP, don't recall whether Mazda used that designation in
'95).
> So most likely your '95 does have a Torsen.

In '95 it would have been a PEP with the power mirrors, which would also
have included the Torsen: geocities.com/MotorCity/5361/95.html.
It would also have included the factory alloys which sadly seem to have gone
missing.

-John
_______________________________________________
John Freas
Red '90 Base-ish #7690
Owensboro, KY
Team LS1,2, SP, the Gap...
I love my Miata girl.
"I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are for."

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: berck (Berck E. Nash)

> Put one wheel on pavement and the other on something slippery like grass
or
> gravel. Apply power. If the slippery wheel spins, it's an open diff.

Or an early viscous diff which is now essentially an open diff, like the one
I took out of my '91:)