LSD for Automatic (U340E)

[CrankyOldMan]

There really isn't a substitute for a proper LSD. The labor involved in installing an LSD dwarfs the price differential of a genuine unit and the imitations. Basically, you need to be able to clear at least US$1200-1500 for parts if you're serious about having one. Figure another thousand plus if you can't install it yourself, and you'll need to find someone you trust to do the work right. ArmstrongRacing is/will be offering custom Yaris gearbox work.

If you want to go it alone, you have to pull the trans, remove the guts, swap the ring gear, replace all the seals, and be able to put it all back together. Removing the 5th gear set requires a quality bearing puller (US$150-250). The only tricky part of the install is setting the bearing preload but there are many ways to accomplish that other than a US$1500 in-oz torque wrench.

I've had a Quaife helical for over 5 years now and have been very happy with it, even in snow and icy conditions. ArmstrongRacing has used Cusco clutch type for a few years now and has nothing but positive comments.

The alternative, of course, is to get tires with better grip. =)

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by CrankyOldMan

There really isn't a substitute for a proper LSD. The labor involved in installing an LSD dwarfs the price differential of a genuine unit and the imitations. Basically, you need to be able to clear at least US$1200-1500 for parts if you're serious about having one. Figure another thousand plus if you can't install it yourself, and you'll need to find someone you trust to do the work right. ArmstrongRacing is/will be offering custom Yaris gearbox work.

If you want to go it alone, you have to pull the trans, remove the guts, swap the ring gear, replace all the seals, and be able to put it all back together. Removing the 5th gear set requires a quality bearing puller (US$150-250). The only tricky part of the install is setting the bearing preload but there are many ways to accomplish that other than a US$1500 in-oz torque wrench.

I've had a Quaife helical for over 5 years now and have been very happy with it, even in snow and icy conditions. ArmstrongRacing has used Cusco clutch type for a few years now and has nothing but positive comments.

The alternative, of course, is to get tires with better grip. =)

Wow, very informative, Sam. There are certainly other areas that I'd prefer to spend that kind of money. I had no idea it was so involved. And, and job like that is way beyond my current skill level.

So, is the one I linked to just junk? Let's say that I just wanted equal traction on both wheels while going straight, would the one I linked work? What I wonder about is how it knows when to unlock. It says it engages under high load, but if say I was coming out of a turn under moderate throttle would it suddenly engage, causing a wheel to slip? And, would it be truly unlocked when driving around in slow turns, or would it be tight and bind somewhat?