Ok I can't find it myself. What type of posi's where put in 2002 ? Is it the locker style or good old clutch/limited slip ?

 

MOST of the late model LS1's got the TORSEN carrier ... it uses a series of worm gears and such to achieve its "LSD" (limited slip diff) designation.

AFAIK, the SS/WS6 models received the "upgrade" Auburn diff, which functions more "like" the old clutch type posi's ... it has conical spider gears, and uses both hydraulic pressure and spring pressure to keep the axles turning at the same speed.

 

I think the Auburn posi unit was an option for the SS/Ws.6. Unless the option was ticked, they got the regular torsen.

 

Thanks guys. How do these torsens work , while I have your attention.

I have a good ole auburn in my lt1 and the newer eaton locker in my truck, that I don't like that well, has a habit staying locked sometimes, like when turning
on wet pavement.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential6.htm

I've read a lot of negatives about the Auburn and a lot of positives about the torsen. I have no real complaints about mine.

 

Not to thread hijack, but I installed a rear end out of an 02 Firehawk into my 93 Z, so being the Firehawk would it have the Auburn upgrade, or the factory Torsen?

 

you'd have to know what options the original firehawk came with. there might be a way to figure out what kind it is by looking at it externally, but I don't know. You might have to crack open the diff cover or perhaps there some type of test you could do to tell which it is by spinning the tires in a certain way.

 

I just assumed that the Firehawk would have come optioned with the highest level of equipment, seeing as how it is even "above" the T/A so to speak.

 

If I'm not mistaken, with the Torsen (and the wheels lifted off the ground) if you turn one of the wheels forward, the other wheel will likely turn the opposite direction, much like an open diff . With the Auburn, both wheels will absolutely go in the SAME direction.

While my car currently has an Auburn in it, it came from the factory with the Torsen ... but it's been awhile since I checked that part of it out!

The beauty of the Torsens is that they always "work" until/unless something breaks. Auburns, on the other hand, eventually do "wear out" (much like clutch type posi's). Also, many of them (like mine) start to whine and howl when turning at slow speeds (parking lots, etc.) which can be annoying ... also why they (Auburns) require the GM LSD additive.

 

where exactly are the axle codes stamped at on the late model ls1 axle tubes ?

 

Are there any benefits to a Auburn diff Cap'n? I know the SS package and it's mods were made with handling in mind so maybe it's smoother at applying torque to the other wheel? Just a guess, don't really know.

 

Also will a torsen unit with TC swap with a car without TC ? In other words can the rear wheel reluctor (speed sensor) be added to a diff with TC which had none or are they different gear sets etc ?

 

Ironically enough, I think it's almost the other way around?! IMO, the Auburn is the better suited for drag racing, and Torsens (from what I've heard) are better for cornering?!

As far as pro's & con's, Auburns are rebuildable, Torsens get thrown out and replaced. But until a Torsen "breaks", it always works, whereas Auburns do wear out!

Traction control (4-channel ABS) vs. non-TC (3-channel) is independent of what type of carrier you have. Both Auburns and Torsens can be setup with either or. It's actually easier to make a 3-channel diff work with 4-channel ABS (TCS) as long as you have the axles with reluctor wheels, and of course, the speed sensors in the brakes.

However, putting a 4-channel diff into a car without TCS, then you need a carrier that has a reluctor wheel on it, and the sensor on top of the diff housing. Like I said, easier to go the other way.

 

Here is what I am working on. My kids 97 camaro 3.8 with open carrier 3.23 M5 no TC , BUT I have a local guy selling a 02 TA 3.42 with TC axle (hub to hub) , SO can the reluctor ring be removed from the open carrier and pressed back on the TC carrier that has none ? Or can the carrier be swapped or are they different ?

 

Unfortunately, THAT I DON'T know It probably CAN, but someone else needs to confirm IF and/or HOW.

Wouldn't swapping the carrier defeat the purpose of putting in the LSD?? Or are you merely going for the GEAR ratio upgrade?!