Sierra LSD Diff 3:62:1 Problem

[Spikehaus]

I am currently running a Ford Sierra LSD Diff from a XR4x4 2.8i

The Ratio is 3:62:1

Final Drive Code "U" on the engine plate

I noticed during my build, that when manually pushing the car around the garage, it appeared to have some resistance that required 2 people to push it. This was in a straight line either backwards or forwards. I am note sure if this happens when turning? I also thick that it does not occur all of the time?

The IVA inspect also commented on it during the roller brake test. He was not overly concerned, however he said it may need to be changed if I get bad fuel economy.

It still seems to be occurring, an noticed when free wheeling to a stop.

I had hoped to change the oil when installing, but the Allen head bolt was damaged by the previous owner.

Any ideas?? I was thinking about injecting a small amount of diff oil through the air breather opening.

Any help appreciated.

[twinturbo]

Drop the cover out, drill out the plug and fit a new one.

The only thing that springs to mind on the tightness is perhaps the nose nut was done up too tight by someone and the vearing is under strain.


TT

[PorkChop]

The only time I saw a diff act the sort of way you've described, it was knackered. It was locking and needed a good shove (by 3 people) to get rolling again.

[Spikehaus]

What mileage would you expect to get out of a diff?, the car had 113,791 on the clock when I purchased it for £130!!!

[PorkChop]

Well, that would depend on how the diff was treated over those 113K miles. If it was looked after, then I would expect to do more than that.

I'm not fully up on Sierra LSD prices, but £130 would be half of what you could expect to pay for a MX5 LSD.

[twinturbo]

113's nowt even on a 2.8. type9's fail long before the diff if driven badly.

TT

[snapper]

The LSD bit is viscous and sealed these rarely fail so your problem is the non LSD bits of the diff
3.62 LSD"a are about £150

[flyerncle]

Too vicious by the sound of it

[Spikehaus]

Striped down the back passenger compartment panel, fuel tank & loom today to gain access to the diff. I managed to measure the oil through the breather pipe hole in the top of the housing with a piece of wire. It seemed to be very low on oil, so filled in up as best as possible to the filler plug level. As reassembled and off for a test drive in the sun.

I cannot determine if its resolved the issue, but its certainly going to help.

Heading off from Plymouth to Exeter next weekend for the Kitcar Show. This should be the first real test for my home engineering.

Drove down a farm lane today and got sprayed with cow dung splatter of the front wheel! Wish I had put my helmet on!

[baz-r]

weld a nut to the plug and the heat will distress it and will come out a dream