Rear differential ID and fluid

[MarkEMark]

From a 2002 (ish) Birkin S3. Can anyone help identify the diff, and is there any way to know if it's limited slip by looking? What recommendations for replacement fluid, and LSD additive? Fill to level with filler plug I assume.

[rzempel]

Looks like the standard South African market Toyota HiLux van. Not likely to be limited slip, unless the guts have been changed to aftermarket--you'd have to look inside to determine that. Normal 80W90 diff oil IIRC.

 

Randall

[S1Steve]

Yes Randall I agree. Looks like the same Toyota rear that's in my Superformance S1.

 

Superformance cars are also built in South Africa. Mine is not limited slip.

 

Steve

[MarkEMark]

Thanks Randall and Steve. Got this far, so I took the cover off, but I'm non the wiser!

[Gherkin]

Hey Mark, I'm not familiar with the HiLux rear end specifically but that looks like a spool. With the rear off the ground and you turn one wheel does the other wheel turn the same direction or opposite?

 

Will you make it out to the EuroSunday event tomorrow? I'll be there as long as it isn't raining...

 

Chris

[MarkEMark]

Hi Chris. Doubt I will make it. Took the roll bar off and trunk liner out to get at fuel sender, so want to get thinks checked in the rear end while I have it all off. Will check the wheel rotation tomorrow. Sat on blocks right now, no need to jack it in the middle

[rzempel]

Looks like a standard set of gears; so, no limited slip. If LSD is important to you, give Dick Brink a call. When I was looking for a LS diff, he had a couple of options.

[MarkEMark]

No, just wanted to make sure I use the correct fluids

[MarkEMark]

When I showed the guy in Autozone a picture of the diff (to ask how much oil I needed) he was adamant it wasn't a Hilux. I did say South African, but he still wasn't convinced. My money's on Steve and Randall!

Bought 3 quarter and used about 3 pints - does that sound right?

Mark

[Off Road SHO]

Yes, a quart and a half sounds about right, and that looks like an open diff to me also.

 

Tom

[Ian7]

was something else removed before taking the photo? if that is an open diff, where are the spider gears?

earlier poster suggested a spool, that's my vote too; no LSD there, I'll bet its solid.

[MarkEMark]

No, nothing removed - that's what you see when you remove the cover. A spool is locked, correct? I still need to get both wheels off the floor and see which way one turns when I turn the other, as Chris suggested, (but right now I'm in the middle of a totally corroded fuel gauge sender and sludge in the tank!)

[Ian7]

yes, a spool is locked solid, zero differential action.

if, and that's IF it is a spool, its the last thing you want on a street 7, or even occasional track day 7...

spools are for high power cars under unique conditions;

all you'll do is wear out tires and understeer yourself into frustration

[MarkEMark]

Jacked it up and turned one wheel. Other wheel turned in opposite direction. Got the Mrs to grab hold of the other wheel and I could still easy turn mine. I'm pretty sure that all means a standard, non-LSD (open) doesn't it?

[SCH]

Jacked it up and turned one wheel. Other wheel turned in opposite direction. Got the Mrs to grab hold of the other wheel and I could still easy turn mine. I'm pretty sure that all means a standard, non-LSD (open) doesn't it?

 

In short, yes, that certainly sounds like you have a non-LSD (or open) differential.

[Ian7]

In short, yes, that certainly sounds like you have a non-LSD (or open) differential.

 

well, sure isnt a spool, but gotta say I've never seen a diff like the photo you posted :-)

[MarkEMark]

To (maybe) close this out, and make the record complete for future reference, I found this picture on the yahoo birkin group dated 2003, and titled "original diff marked for removal". There are subsequent pictures showing a LSD being fitted.

 

Picture looks exactly the same as my diff, so I think this was the standard factory item circa 2002/2003

Mark

[DaveD]

Mark,

 

That is the same differential that is in the Superformance S1. I just opened mine up. I found metal bits attached to the magnetic fill plug. The ring and pinion look fine. The last time I saw this was when a van I had shredded a shim behind the pinion. It has been a real chore trying to find out what this axle is out of. So far I have not had any luck. In all the looking on the internet that I have done I have only ever run across one other picture of this type axle and the said it was out of a Toyota Hilux. But I am at a loss to find parts for it. I believe it is a 1996-2002 axle. I found seals and bearing listed for the axle ends. But cannot find any listing for differential parts. What did you specify as the vehicle to replace the cover gasket? I am thinking I will have to go to my local Advance Auto and look through their stock to find one that is close.

 

 

Dave

[Zona]

You have done the tremendous job, fixing it properly is really a big issue for me.

[slomove]

You have done the tremendous job, fixing it properly is really a big issue for me.

 

Is that a robot, repeating some text or title and adding a meaningless phrase?