Differential

[MetBlue]

Anyone got an SE diff they trip over every time they go into the garage and like to move on?

Did the ratio change between the earlier and later cars does anyone know? All I can find for now is the Auto had its own specific ratio.

Tony

PS - Typically I have an Elite diff spare if it's any use to anyone.

[bash]

I could bore you for hours about diffs, 3 ratios, 3.9 early se manual, 4.1 later se manual, 3.7 auto. I dont have a spare auto diff unfortunately but I do have a brand new, still in its lotus packaging, 3.7 crownwheel and pinion but I suspect from your other posting that you wont need that.

Bash

[Hawaiis0]

.... but I do have a brand new, still in its lotus packaging, 3.7 crownwheel and pinion ......

Bash

noted.

[MetBlue]

3.9 early se manual, 4.1 later se manual,

Bash. Do you know if the case is the same for both?

I know later cars had a different bridge for some reason. The holes that bolt it to the diff are central on late cars, but off set on earlier.

Tony

[jeff.fenton]

Hello again Bash, I think early Excels are 4.1, S/E 3.9, auto 3.7. I put an S/E diff in my early as I wanted easy cruising rather than acceleration, works fine, also made the speedo read closer after I went onto 205/50 tyres. Jeff.

[MetBlue]

. I put an S/E diff in my early

If the SE goes in early, that pretty much assures me the early will go in the SE. Thanks Jeff.

Pretty sure the diff I have eyes on is from an earlier car. Sounds like if I do I'll be revving higher on motorways but maybe quicker acceleration if your right about the ratios.

Tony

[jeff.fenton]

If it helps, I still have the early 4.1, diff in my loft. It was working fine, but had a runny nose (seal). Free to collect if you can fit a new seal and can spare the time to call in, near Leeds. Jeff.

[bash]

Yeah, you are right jeff. I think the internals for the diffs are all the same, Ive fitted new bearings and seals etc to a 3.9, a 3.7 and a 3.54 ( don't ask) and haven't had any issues.

Bash

[MetBlue]

Jeff : have PM'd you.

Bash: what's the story with the 'hens teeth' crush washer? I see Lotus Bits sell the seal, but no mention of shims, spacer or the stake nut.
What's the chances using original crush washer and new nut would set correct preload? H looks easy enough to check.

Tony

[jeff.fenton]

I've sent details by PM but the last one I sent didn't get through. Let me know if not received and I'll try again. Jeff.

[MetBlue]

Received thanks Jeff. I'll be in touch.

[bash]

To answer the crush washer bit, LB sell some crush washers to reuse the existing crush sleeve but before they were available I carefully measured the length of the old one then heated it to red hot and planished it around a solid tube to extend it. Its harder than it sounds cos you have to do it numerous times to extend it enough to then machine the end flat again to the extended length. Crush washers are easier but if you want to try this I have noted the length of a new one somewhere. That particular one has been in my car for about 8k miles now with no issues.
An alternative solid spacer and shim kit is available in the States from a company called Wier performance ( who also can supply the LSD plates ) but they dont seem to answer emails from abroad, a phone call might be better although I think they are in California so time differences need to be considered.
Have fun.

Bash
http://www.weirperformance.com/

[bash]

New crush sleeve 56.5mm long in my notes, you will find that the old one wont be far off that. If you have access to a lathe you could machine your own shim by sticking the shim steel to a flat surface to be able to cut into it.

Bash

[Pete Boole]

Ready-made shim washers are also available in a multitude of sizes and thicknesses. I'll try to remember to measure the I/D needed

Pete

[jeff.fenton]

Hello Tony, got your text, anytime this weekend will be fine. Tried PM but seems not working for me again. Jeff.