LSD

[bash]

Anyone know where I can get some LSD friction plates from apart from sending to the States ( Weir Performance ). Ive got a 3.9 lsd diff from an auto ma61 and Ive got a 3.54 diff ( very rare ) that Im going to make into one for my V8. All the bits are good but it would be daft not to renew the friction plates while its in bits.
Inside the LSD


And heres a 'normal' open diff that we were fitted with by Lotus



Bash

[Alan_M]

Would it be worth contacting these guys. I believe Bryan (Barker_001) used them to reline his handbrake shoes.

http://www.industrialfriction.com/friction/

[barker_001]

It would definitely be worth giving him a try, John. In addition to doing brake relining the owner (John Price) had all manner of other parts there, including remanufactured clutch linings, although he didn't specifically mention LSDs. He does mail order, and was more than happy to work together to find suitable friction material for my handbrake, so I imagine it would be the same for your parts.

[smithersoli]

I would ask your local diff guy. Am pretty sure when I had mine apart he said, oh i recognise those friction plates, they are the same as .......

But am afraid I cant remember what axle, possibly from an (old rear drive) escort as the guy was very familiar with those and had a few MK2 diffs in his shop at the time.

Mike Taylor at Lotus bits might be persuaded to divulge as he adds extra plates to tighten up standard LSD's.

[bash]

Thanks for the replies. Because I can get the standard parts new from Toyota Im going to go down that route because they are only a tenner each (x6 ) and I dont really need the tightened diff. I think Mike gets his from the states where they are about $190 + the usual. I dont really need the LSD really Im not that daft but Ive got one so.....
I may sell it at some stage.
Thanks again

Bash

[smithersoli]

Am pretty sure that a "upgraded / tightened" diff is simply an extra pair of standard friction plates added into the housing, maybe 8 instead of standard 6, would need to dig out my resources and check. Also they can be shimmed to increase the preload if required using the standard number of plates, or the additional ones for extra action.

I don't think the plates are much different to the standard parts from toyota, so if you can get them from a local dealer its a cheap upgrade / bring it back to standard performance to throw in an extra pair if you want it.

Worth knowing that the diff carrier I believe can be swapped into solid axles (third member in USA speak) and is used in various toyota trucks, so there is other information available out there on websites aimed at off road trucks and there might be second hand parts that can be used to upgrade standard open diffs.

Mike told me that the plate types (standard toyota LSD) loosen off quickly with use (as the friction plates wear) and most standard LSD's by now will be barely more than an open diff unless rebuilt, shimmed or new plates installed.

The geared (TRD), Truetrack and torsen type diff don't wear in quite the same way, but are more expensive and harder to find.

[bash]

Mike will certainly have found out any weaknesses in his excel chassised sunbeam but I have never driven like that ( I recommend going and seeing Mike in a rally, it will open your eyes as to how fast an excel really could be, and he's pretty good behind the wheel too ). When the car was my daily driver I fitted the LSD because where I live has a steep little slope onto a very fast road and in snowey/icy conditions I had difficulty getting out safely, which was probably the only time that the plates were tested so mine still turns both wheels cos it didnt get alot of hammer but I agree, if you are one who pushes the boundaries a bit then an extra plate will do the job of tightening up the diff. To do what mike does the diff will be very tight, almost locked to get the rear of the car to move around on the tight stuff. The downside to doing this on a road car is that on slippy roads you might end up driving through the side windows.... but some like that.

Bash