XLS Open Diff to Hybrid LSD Options

[MrBahb]

Hello all,

I'm looking into options to get the hybrid LSD into my 2002 XLS, which currently has the J34D open rear diff. It's proven very difficult to source a Touring Package's (J36D?) LSD from an XLS. I know that a few people have swapped the 4.9 gears into the 4.63 HLSD assembly for use with the 5-speed transmission, and that makes me wonder: is it possible to source the rear diff from a Limited, swap my existing 4.9 gears into that assembly and have a working solution? I don't know enough about the input gear and the number of splines to know if the Limited and XLS assemblies are directly interchangeable, so I'm hoping someone can help me figure out how to get this solved.

 

[MrBahb]

Doing some searching, I found a post a while back, here:

If you get an XLS LSD assembly, its a straight swap- no controls involved. If you get one from a LTD, you need to swap the carrier into your diff housing and have the bearing lash and tooth pattern checked.

The checking of the backlash and tooth pattern seems to imply that the tooth patterns could be different. Any ideas on whether or not the gears inside would be interchangeable?

 

[CharlieNorth]

Normally if you can not find the bolt in housing with the ratio and LSD you desire, you buy the proper size LSD that will fit your housing and swap it in. You keep your gears, both parts and swap the new to you LSD into where your open diff was. You generally need to purchase the shim set for the side gears to do the job right.
Nothing more than that.

 

[Michael Brown]

For Gen 3, it is preferable to locate a complete differential with the LSD. They were made in 4.9 for XLS/4-spd and 4.3 for Limited/5-spd. I do not know if other gear ratios fit in the housings.

If you find a labeled 01-02 XLS "Hyblid" Diff, it will bolt in place of your current one with no gear swap necessary.

 

[CharlieNorth]

Rear axle splines are huge in a gen3, as such not interchangeable with solid axle variants.

 

[plh]

I have a Gen 3 LSD available. Just the LSD, no gears, no external housing. Let me know if you are interested in it.

 

[MrBahb]

Rear axle splines are huge in a gen3, as such not interchangeable with solid axle variants.

Both options I'm considering are from IRS gen 3 models. One from Limited, one from XLS.

 

[MrBahb]

I have a Gen 3 LSD available. Just the LSD, no gears, no external housing. Let me know if you are interested in it.

I am interested. Will PM.

 

[plh]

I am interested. Will PM.

replied to PM