diff

[vkhawkey]

ive just purchased a 308 4 speed vk to wreck. ive removed the rear axle and found out that the diff ratio is 2.60:1. is this normal for a manual car or should it be different? also, is there a way i can tell from the housing that if the diff is a 10 bolt or not, and whether or not its an lsd?
cheers

[SL/ENUT]

OK usually the manual VKs used a 3.08:1 ratio, the 2.60:1 would be a pig to drive.
To tell if the diff is a 10 bolt, have a look at the cover plate, if its egg shape, 10 bolt. If round, 8 bolt. To tell if its a LSD, should have a tag on the filler bolt. If not there, have the rear of the car in the air, use jack stands, and spin one side of the wheel and see if the other side is travelling the same way, LSD, if not single spinner

[vkhawkey]

cheers, i'l have a look tomorrow. still not sure what you mean about checking if its an lsd or not though

[SL/ENUT]

Well hmmm spin the drivers side wheel clock wise and the passenger side will move in the same direction, this will be a LSD Diff. If the drivers side spins clock wise and the passenger side spins the opposite direction, single spinner diff.

[gd81]

Easy test is jack up the rear and put it on stands. leave hand brake off and put it in gear for manual or park for auto, try and turn one of the wheels. if they turn easily then it's a single spinner, if they turn with a lot of effort it could be a worn lsd or the motor is turning over with you effort, if they don't turn then it's deffinitely an lsd or locker.

[vkhawkey]

ive looked at the diff, it has an oval housing so im guessing that its a 10 bolt. i did the test SL/ENUT recommended and can assume it is not an lsd. rear axle is now in car. just the engine n gearbox to go. i'll reply back to this thread to report on wat i think about the 2.60:1 diff ratio in a manual. thanks for all the assistance