will a GXL lsd (full pumpkin) bolt up to a base model second gen?

can i just replace the open diff with the gxl's diff.. or would i have to get the whole 5 lug



... if this can not be done.. can i just weld the open diff instead of converting it to the whole 5 lug

 

I don't know about the first two... BUT, do NOT weld the gears in an open diff if it's a daily drive. Having welded gears acting as a spool means the tires always spin the same speed. Hard on, axles, u-joints, tires, etc... And defently not fun in the rain. However, if it is just a toy for a beat down saturday night then yes, it's a very cheap trick.

 

Yes.You can replace the Open diff(whole unit) with an LSD Differential.You do not need to go Five lug..the Half Shafts are the same whether it be an Open Diff/4 lug ,or an LSD/5 lug..but the TII LSD will have different Shafts all the way around(Drive shaft and Half Shafts).

 

All FC nonturbo diffs swap directly into all other FC nonturbos, but if the gear ratio in the diff is different from what the recipient car came with then your speedo will be off (unless you change the speedo gear in the trans as well). Auto 86-8 GXL's would have had the 3.9 LSD, while manual 86-8 GXL and 88 GTU would have had the 4.1 LSD. 89-90 GXL/91 coupe did not have LSD. 89-90 GTU-s (not plural of "gtu" but model "gtus") had the 4.3 LSD.

The turbo LSD diff is different and not compatible with any NA fc parts.

 

make sure the gear ratio(final drive) matches up or your speedo will be off.

you dont need to completely change the pumpkin. just remove the LSD from the ring gear and move it to the stock open-diffs ring gear

 

No need to open diffs up. Just unbolt one, bolt the other in. Setting up diffs internals is something that not everybody should be involved in, plus there is no reason to in this case.

 

it is a direct bolt on. also you may want to take the rear bushing and fill them with polyurathane (3-m window adhesive works well too). its a cheap way to stiffen up the rear.

 

Yup. Both S4's too?


Yes, it's a indenpendant rear, you won't have to worry about having to convert to the 5-lug. But if you do have access to it, pick up the 5-lug .



Don't weld the diff, it's unsafe and gay. But good for you, you can change over the LSD differential without issue.

 

you mean the expanding-foam stuff to fill the gaps for the 2 bushings that are connected to the differential? (the gap between the bushings and rear subframe)

 

Thanks for your guys help

5 lug conversion being done off a gxl.. (might as well)