Aftermarket differential (LSD) options for automatic transmission (AT)?

[jng]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

*some* noises are normal. However, if its engaging at low speed, then perhaps it is set to engage too aggressively for your preference. Whining or crunching is not.

Yes, flush the fluid after 500 miles or the 1st event, whichever comes first. We recommend using OSG fluid only.

Have you driven the car hard?

Thanks Mike. I should have just ordered the LSD from you, but shipping from the US for such a heavy object cost too much. Also, I would not have been able to advise how aggressive I would have wanted to dial it back, without having heard all these loud noises in the car. In a DD, it is somewhat unbearable.

I've not tracked since the LSD was installed, and will head to the track in a fortnight to put it through its paces. For now, its really just the low speed sounds that are really bothering me, more so as you mentioned crunching is not normal. Is this LSD a part that any capable garage would have to ability to easily (re)configure? Will the noises lessen as stuff "settles" after a few hundred miles (I have read this to be the case for other mechanical LSDs like the KAAZ)?

As we don't have ready access to OS Giken fluids here, my local garage used HKS G-1400 synthetic gear oil 75W-140, and also swapped out the needle bearing as they mentioned to leave the original needle bearing on the original differential in case I wanted to swap it back in the future. Could this be what is causing the problem?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by jng

Thanks Mike. I should have just ordered the LSD from you, but shipping from the US for such a heavy object cost too much. Also, I would not have been able to advise how aggressive I would have wanted to dial it back, without having heard all these loud noises in the car. In a DD, it is somewhat unbearable.

I've not tracked since the LSD was installed, and will head to the track in a fortnight to put it through its paces. For now, its really just the low speed sounds that are really bothering me, more so as you mentioned crunching is not normal. Is this LSD a part that any capable garage would have to ability to easily (re)configure? Will the noises lessen as stuff "settles" after a few hundred miles (I have read this to be the case for other mechanical LSDs like the KAAZ)?

As we don't have ready access to OS Giken fluids here, my local garage used HKS G-1400 synthetic gear oil 75W-140, and also swapped out the needle bearing as they mentioned to leave the original needle bearing on the original differential in case I wanted to swap it back in the future. Could this be what is causing the problem?

You shouldn't really be hearing noises from the LSD itself, unless you have no sound deadening and/or partially gutted your car. You should be getting chattering from the tires locking up, because the LSD is engaging; that's normal.

Lower weight fluid is okay, but under hard driving, if you overheat the differential, then the lower weight fluid may cause increased wear on the LSD. The HKS fluid should be okay for street use.

[jng]

Thanks again Mike. Will get my garage to use the heavier HKS 85W/250 after the 500 mile drain. Will post an update after the guys at the garage have taken a drive around in the car again.