So I have the opportunity to purchase a used OS Giken lsd.. I'm a little concerned about getting this used dif and I'll explain why in a sec but I'd like to get some input from anyone with used lsd's, the OS, or both.

Now onto the dif: seller claims 3000 miles on it, fully functioning, with only a scratch on the outer casing. Here's the scary part; scratch came from 4th gear blowing and pieces hitting the dif casing. Some time prior to blowing the gear, seller also supposedly blew a drive shaft shop axle. My questions are, could either (or both) of those incidents ruin the internals or function of the lsd? Also, the only way I can really see both of those things happening is if the car was absolutely BEAT on and if thaats the case, can rough driving damage, wear, or render the dif useless?

Last bit of info, this is a 1600 dif that's been rem and cryo treated for sale for $500, I feel like it's too good to be true. Any input is appreciated!

 

IMO never buy used internals... Any reputable shop would turn you away for the install for good reason.

 

Sounds like a problem from the installation of the LSD, not a problem from the LSD itself.

I had a TRD/Quaife LSD installed on my 2005 Scion tC years ago by a shop, and it caused a huge problem.

First off, I couldn't get into reverse unless I went to 1st gear to "align the synchros" which sometimes worked, but frequently didn't. They also said the clutch needs to be bled, which they did, but still didn't make it better. Then 500 miles later, I couldn't shift into 5th gear without the transmission grinding. BTW my car only had TRD cold air intake and exhaust, no crazy power like the supercharger and turbocharger I did later.

A tear down of my transmission revealed that the synchronizers for 4th and 5th gear were improperly reinstalled with axial play meaning that they should only move in two directions, but were I guess loose and could wiggle around, and thus lead to the failure of my 5th gear synchronizers.

Once it was rebuilt correctly, transmission behaved normally allowing for perfect shifting into reverse as it did when stock.

So my point is, if the OS Giken differential is sold as a pre-assembled unit (I know it can be rebuilt and thus allows you to adjust settings and such) then the problems this guy is experiencing is probably installation error because installing the LSD on a trans-axle is a PITA. So if you get an LSD installed on yours, either this one or another, have a very VERY good shop do it, and if your car doesn't shift exactly like it did when they're done, take it right back to them to correct.

 

I'll definitely take the trans and lsd to a good shop, the trans needs a new 5th gear and fork slider as it is. My main concern really is if the lsd is or could be damaged from those incidents and being able to hold 4-500 hp (and appropriate torque) reliably with a used dif. (Possible install error aside)

 

I mean, it's like ripping out an old gear from a junk yard car because you blew yours. People do this all of the time, or similar to getting a used transmission ect. If there aren't any teeth that are gouged, I mean, why not. Clearly you leaning towards doing it and not wanting to spend the real amount that you should, so I'd say go for it. I'd never do it, but again, this is not like installing a used clutch, it's just another rotating part that will work if it's not gouged and chipped. I'd have a tuner or performance shop at least milk it and clean it completely first before dropping it in.

 

I would have OS inspect it. I think it's $150.00

 

I'll look into doing that, atleast then it would give me some peace of mind about it