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Toson LSD question

I was recently involved in a rear end collision with my 1999 Miata. The impact broke one of the brackets that holds the differential into the car. Since the bracket is part of the one piece differential housing, the shop is going to have to find a used complete rear axle assembly to replace it. My car came with a Torson LSD and I want to make sure that is what they put back in the car. My question is how to identify the Torson form a standard diff. Are there any external markings on the diff housing to show that it is a Torson? Also, did

1999 Miatas come with anything but a Torson and should I even be worrying about it?

Brian Turner

Reply to
Brian Turner
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The differential housing is of 2 pieces. The aluminum portion (your broken part) is most likely interchangable with a similar part. The torsen is in the iron portion. Unless you know the VIN of the donor car, a torsen differential can be determined only by visual inspection.

Chas Hurst

Reply to
Chas Hurst

It is most likely that your Torsen was not damaged. It can be installed in the replacement housing. If the entire differential is required, the inspection cover can be removed. If you can see through the center it is an open differential. LS package '99s all have Torsen rear-ends.

Reply to
Larry Gadbois

With most LSDs, if both wheels are jacked up and free to turn, car in gear (engine off), if you turn one wheel and the other spins in the same direction you have a functioning LSD. If the wheels turn in opposite directions, the differential is open. Loren

Reply to
the invisible man

I own a 10AE with a torsen diff, and what you claim is simply not the case. A torsen functions as an open differential when it's unloaded, which is the situation you have decribed.

Chas Hurst

Reply to
Chas Hurst

That is exactly what they are going to do. No used differentials could be found so they are going to put mine in a new housing. After the body is repaired, the car will be towed to the local Mazda dealer for the diff repair. I ended up with $5,500 worth of damage to the car since they have to use all new parts to fix it. Again, not too many used Miata body parts around.

Reply to
Brian Turner

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