limited slip differential

[sathing]

I have read somewhere that some Things came out with a limited slip differential. Are there any markings or perhaps a number on the casing I could check, to tell if my thing has a limited slip differential?

[pjmacua]

Hello

This option (limited slip differential - M220) was not available for the Thing (US market).

You can check if your transaxle has the special filler plug (that warns the mechanic to use special oil).

The transaxle codes for the limited slip differentials are :
- swing axle : AL
- IRS : AW or GB

You can put the car on jacks, turn one wheel (transaxle in neutral). If the other wheel turns the same way, your car has an LSD.
If it turns the opposite way, your car has an regular (open) differential.

Regards
Pierre-J MACUA

[sathing]

Hi,

Thank you for your comprehensive answer. I’ll put the car on jacks this weekend and do the “wheel-turn test”. Will let you know how it turns out.

Thanks

[GregZA]

En toe?

[Ian Epperson]

Just talked to a transmission shop yesterday and asked about an LSD. The only one they can get is the Quaiffe for $1400!! From what I've read, a Quaiffe is a great diff - less good than a ZF offroad, but the flat-out best diff on road.

[sathing]

GregZA Ja, inderdaad toe ʼn beperkte glip differensiaal

Hello all,

I did the “wheel turn test” as described by Pierre-J and yes it is a LSD. I just whished I had known this three weeks ago when I topped up the transmission oil with standard gear lube (HP 80W-90). I added about 1 liter gear lube.

Pierre-J mentioned in his post that the LSD uses special oil. Does anyone have an idea what oil should be used? What is the best way to rectify my current mess, will it be ok to just drain the current oil and then replace it or should I also flush out the differential before adding new oil?

[GregZA]

The only manual I have specifically for European 181's with reduction boxes is the Intereurope # 157.

It says:
Transmission Capacity 2.5 litres
Reduction Gears Capacity 0.25 litres
Recommended lubricant Hypoy Transmission Oil SAE 80/90 (MIL-L-2105 B)

So in my little world you have used the correct oil unless Pierre-J has more info for us from the horses mouth so to speak.

The manual also covers the LSD so I always assumed this to be the correct specification.

Cheers

[sathing]

Thanx Greg, I’ll sleep a tad better tonight.

[pjmacua]

[GregZA]

We deal with Castrol/BP I'll ask them to check what the Ford spec translates to on monday and report back when I hear from them.

[kubelmann]

I have a Quaffe diff in my Thing and I run Swepco 201... 80/90

[GregZA]

No reply yet from Castrol, I will follow up with them again tomorrow.

[kubelmann]

I have run Castrol 80/90 GL-5 in a stock VW trans with open diff with no troubles. That is one of the products that VW used to fill VW transaxles with.

[Ian Epperson]

[kubelmann]

I love it and anybody who ride in the dirts comments about wanting one. I got a nearly brand new unit from a mini sprint hill climb race that blew the engine after under 75 miles. They guy was way hard up for money (it was just after race season) and had it out of the trans and cleaned. He needed $300 asap, I had $300. Having run it, if I had the $1400 in the budget, I would get another one in a second. It is totally fun to blow dual rooster tails over the front of the body. I get major traction in the dirt and do not suffer from the overpowered rear end but do have to back off and steer out of some major fish tails. Push the gas and my Thing moves regardless of terrain. I have a 1915 with dual Dell 36 mild cam 9.51:1 compression and a custom built (using all Weddle parts) trans with all the tricks close 3rd adn fourth and so on. 4 wheel disc brakes very tweaked suspension. The differential is the icing on the cake of the set up. I run BFG AT KO 235 75 15 on Centerline wheels in the rear and Dominator 205 75 15 in front ..

[GregZA]

According to Castrols' technical department the Ford code M2C28B relates to a GL5 90 oil.
Their product that meets this specification is EPX SAE 90.

[kubelmann]

I looked at a bottle of Castrol 80/90 Gl-5 in my shop and it says right on the bottle. contains limited slip differential additive.

[GregZA]

I think maybe the biggie is that it is GL5, quite a few European Ford manual transmissions require a GL5 oil and Ford normally uses straight 90 in these cases, but people have been using the GL5 80/90 for years with no noticeable problems.

[Bruce]

sathing: What is the trans code on your T181? (or is it a 182?)

Ian, I can set you up with a genuine VW ZF for almost half the price of a Q. Send me a message.

Oil: Read the label. If it says no additive necessary, use it. If it says compatible with LSDs, you need the additive. In the USA, every Chevrolet dealer sells a small bottle (150ml) of LSD additive. In other countries, your local auto parts stores should have an equivalent product.
I highly recommend synthetic gear oil, 75W-90, and it must be GL-5 to get you the superior extreme pressure additives to protect your spider gears and side gears. DO NOT USE GL-4!
_________________

[sathing]