1996LT1Z28

I need a posi unit for my 96 Z28, and was wondering if a posi unit from a 2000 WS6 Trans Am could be used. It only has 50K miles on it.

I'm not sure if the one from the TA is a Torsen unit or not, thus the question.

Thanks.

Injuneer

Probably get better results in "Drivetrain" forum. I'll move the thread there for you.

Injuneer

Can't say with absolute certainty, but I have seen articles on upgrading the Torsen with a heavy duty Eaton limited slip, and they used the same Eaton part # as used in an earlier (Auburn) conversion.

Reference article - shows a late model T/A with a Torsen diff:

Strengthening The Rearend From An LS1 Firebird Formula - High Performance Pontiac Magazine

Eaton Makes A Heavy Duty Posi Great For Street And Street Duties - High Performance Pontiac Magazine Page 2

Photo showing Torsen and Eaton side-by-side:

http://www.highperformancepontiac.co.../photo_03.html

FirstYrLS1Z

A 2000 WS6 Trans Am would have had a Torsen off/from the assembly line. Since it went to SLP from off the line,it could have been changed/upgraded to an Auburn or Eaton. Removing the cover would tell.
But to answer the original question,any of the possible three would be a compatible replacement for into yours. Since you'd be replacing the carrier only,you wouldn't have to worry/be concerned with/about pinion depth. Lash would be the only concern.

Mystery Bird

I thought the axle shafts were different between the Torsen and the Auburn?

FirstYrLS1Z

What matters for carriers is axle spline count which is 28 for 4th gen f-bods.
Axle shafts are different for channel systems,3 channel ABS axles are different from 4 channel ABS & Traction Control axles.
Auburn,Torsen,and Eaton carriers for 4th gens have 28 spline axle acceptance.

1996LT1Z28

Thanks for all the information. I bought the unit anyways. For $80, what the heck.

I forgot to ask......will the ABS tone ring bolt up to any differential / carrier?

I hope so.....

FirstYrLS1Z

the ABS reluctor ring doesn't bolt on,it's pressed onto the carrier.
the ABS ring will go onto Auburn,Torsen and Eaton.

you never mentioned/asked about gear ratios in regards to carriers.
Automatics with 2.73s' would be on a 2 series carrier,with 3.23s' a 3 series carrier. M6s' would be 3.42 on a 3 series carrier. 2 and 3 series carriers require different ABS reluctor rings.

1996LT1Z28

Looks like I'll need a 3series tone ring then. I have a 2.73 auto rear. I bought a 3.42 gear diff from a 2000 TA. Where do I get a tone ring? GM?

Injuneer

Does the 3.42 still have the reluctor gear installed? If the 3.42 was in a traction control option car, it wouldn't have the ring in the first place, but an ABS only car would.

It's a very slight interference fit, and they can be damaged very easily.

FirstYrLS1Z

both rings have been long obsoleted and not available from GM or other source for years now.

1996LT1Z28

Fred,

No reluctor gear / tone ring. My 96 Z28 has both ABS & Traction control (ARS). Are you saying that my car may not have a reluctor??

FirstYrLS1Z

A 96 Z28 with ABS & TC/ASR is 4 channel and would have/has a ring on each axle.

1996LT1Z28

Folks,

Great info, I appreciate it!

So...my car has the tone rings on each axle and NOT on the carrier...is that what you're saying?

Thanks

Mike

FirstYrLS1Z

A 3 channel ABS,not changed since it left the assembly line,would have a 106 tooth reluctor ring on the carrier. A 4 channel ABS & TC/ASR,not changed since it left the assembly line,would have a 47 tooth reluctor ring on each axle.