upgrading to lsd ?

[toominator]

At the moment, coming into winter, my priority is to get up ski access roads with least hassle possible. Currently I have an open diff on my terrano.

As I understand it, with an open diff if I loose traction to one wheel, all power will essentially go to that wheel as it has least resistace. Is that isolated to each axle? ie will the front continue to drive if a wheel is spinning on the rear?
Does an lsd make much of a difference compared to an open diff (obviously not as good as a locked diff, but I wouldn't bother doing that to a Terrano)

Would an lsd be comparable to an open diff with chains?

I'm asking all this because there's a guy near me selling the lsd from a terrano for $150. How difficult is it to swap them out? Is it possible to replace just the diff head/casing and use the existing arm & hub assembly? Or is it easier just to put the whole assembly in?

Also, does it matter if the front diff is a different ratio to the rear?

Sorry for the stupid questions, I'm trying to educate myself asap haha hopefully this is something I only ask once

[darinz]

Ratio's MUST be the same.
The easiest thing to do would be to change the whole diff but doesn't matter either way.
If the ratio's are different then you'll need to pull the ring and pinion of the old diff and fit to new diff which requires a bit of knowledge and ability.
All Nissan 4x4 LSD's are very very good and will make a huge improvement. I would go as far as to say the LSD would be a better option than a locker in this case anyway.

[mudlva]

yip a lsd will help with traction heaps and still let the vehicle drive straight
a locker will turn both the wheels and assist in sliding the axle sideways generally down into the gutter etc. a lot more fun tho

[kiwipete]

When I swapped in the LSD on my Terrano, I just swapped the ring gear, there is no need to swap the pinion. The LSD was 4.6 and my open diff was 4.8. It has heaps better traction now. Adding chains will give better traction.
Doing the swap is not a biggie either.

[darinz]

Are you saying that the pinion from a 4.88 is the same as a pinion from a 4.625 in an H233b diff? ie the same number of teeth and the same profile?
Not saying the aren't but it seems very unlikely that's all.
They other consideration is wear so keeping the set (R&P) together they should last long.

[kiwipete]

Are you saying that the pinion from a 4.88 is the same as a pinion from a 4.625 in an H233b diff? ie the same number of teeth and the same profile?
Not saying the aren't but it seems very unlikely that's all.
They other consideration is wear so keeping the set (R&P) together they should last long.

Nope. I used the ring gear off my open diff and put it on the LSD.
That keeps the gearing the same as it was before the swap. Its just the diff head that gets swapped over.

[darinz]

That makes sense! I didn;t think you were that rough but you never know

[toominator]

hmm doesn't sound too unachievable. having never removed a diff/axle before, how heavy are they? would it be hard to manouvre into position on a trolley jack or would it be better to have two jacks?

[kiwipete]

You only need two axle stands, not too heavy at all.

[Maf in UK]

I've put a 'lunchbox' locker in the front of my Wrangler, awesome amount of traction and means even slower speeds. Wrangler has LSD in the rear, it is a help, but if one wheel lifts it's useless, so I have bought a rear locker as well...

Used Aussie Locker, excellent price and product, they list many different makes, hope this helps, Maf

PS LSD often need different oil and/or an additive to make them work.

[darinz]

hmm doesn't sound too unachievable. having never removed a diff/axle before, how heavy are they? would it be hard to manouvre into position on a trolley jack or would it be better to have two jacks?

Leave the wheels on the diff and just roll it around!