Replacing clutch plates in rear differential

Hi,
I have the Mech Limited Slip Differential in my truck. I think it is time to replace the clutch pack so it does not turn into an open diff. I've been searching for DIY on this topic but haven't found anything specific for Tacomas yet (quite alot of info on replacing bearings/seals or swapping the diff entirely).

Has anyone done this procedure? If so did you get OEM plates or aftermarket kit? Any special tools needed? How did you compress the spring?

Thanks for a great forum!

 

Hi again,
My LSD was so worn out that it behaved like an open diff. I searched the world wide web for replacing clutch pack in a Tacoma but could not find any write ups - but a lot for other brands. Good pieces of information can be found here on TW on how to get your diff out and back in again. I used this one for example:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-installation-of-e-locker-3rd-member.193828/

I did not stretch my brake lines that some suggests, it looked far too sketchy for me. I simply disconnected them to get the axles out. Bleeding the brakes is a 30 min job anyway - if nothing brakes in the procedure.

I ordered the parts that I thought was needed after studying the FSM.
- A new spring (90501-60004)
- 7 x clutch plates (41385-35010)
- 7 x thrust washers 1.80mm (41361-14201)
- 2 x thrust washers marked N 1.70mm (41361-14211)
- shims of different sizes from 0.15-0.30 mm (90564-50001 -- 90564-50005)
- Gasket (paper version

$18 42181-34011 Differential Gasket

42181-34011)

The job all in all took 5-6 hours, and I am by no means a mechanic. The tricky part is that you have to be very exact on all the measurements. 0.05 mm can make a big difference in the end result. I used a micro meter and digital calipers.

After the procedure I had a preload of roughly 130NM - I am not sure what it should be since the FSM does not mention anything.

I can give more detail if anyone is interested.

 

Thanks! Great job getting this done yourself. Did you get quotes from shops to do the work? I was thinking about replacing mine on my 06 sport with a truetrac but after reading a lot of posts from BlueT I think ours is pretty robust if you keep it maintained. Going to jack it up and test it this week.

 

I did talk to the Toyota dealership. They do not replace clutch packs, or rather, do not touch the third member at all they told me. So they quoted me for a new third member plus work - it was well over 4000$ if I remember correctly. Unfortunately I have no other mechanics around here that I would trust with the job. People that can repair differentials seems to be a dying breed which is understandable. Now I spent around $200 in total - including new oil.

Except for the worn clutch plates the differential looked like new after 14 years - not too bad.

 

There used to be a thread on www.xr-underground.com. A guy from Canadialand used the clutch packs from a kit for a MK4 Supra. I believe he followed the procedures and specs for that. Mind you, that this was around 10 years ago, that I read that.

 

Thanks @Torspd - I found it I think:
http://www.xr-underground.com/threads/how-to-upgrade-your-diff.57404/

Good write up! In the parts catalog it says that the clutches fits Supra, Tacoma, Tundra and LandCruisers.

Seems like street racers like the clutch type lsd while offroaders prefer locking/torsen lsd. I drive alot on snowy and icy roads and then I think the clutch type is superior, even if they wear out.

Anybody knows the correct preload?

 

Great resourcefulness

 

Here is another very good write up that I found for a Supra mk3. It looks identical - maybe it is...

https://www.supraforums.com/threads/how-to-rebuild-the-mk3-rear-differential.836257/

 

if you just did this correctly, you are a mechanic!

 

The factory rear LSD works awesome in my Tacoma and I don't have to hit a switch or anything else.

 

Thats the beauty of a clutch based LSD!

 

Great work. Instead of replacing mine I went with a Truetrac. Happy so far!

 

Hmm I thought about that route too - can you feel when it engage or is it smooth?

 

Completely smooth you don't know it's there. It's not a true locker. It's a limited slip. Off-road it was great on a recent trip. Also regeared at the same time. Went with East Coast Gear Supply they sent me a whole unit already assembled and I paid someone to drop it all in. It was about 1350 for the assembled unit and another 350 to have it installed.

 

is it better to rebuild and upgrade parts within stock LSD

or switch to truetrac
Which I believe is mechanical, helical, similar or same as torsen
No clutches or wearable parts

 

I went the route of Truetrac and regeared at the same time with east coast gear supply and a local installer. Truetrac has been amazing for me and yes, you described it correctly

 

Hey @TheSwede, do you remember where the thrust washers marked N (part #41361-14211) go in the clutch pack? I am thinking about replacing the clutches in my LSD, and I am just curious where they end up, or are the factory clutch discs marked? I had the LSD opened when I first bought it and installed the Wier performance shim kit, but I do not remember seeing any of the clutches marked.

 

Hey,
No they are not marked and it took several sources for me to figure it out. If I remember correctly the plates called N are the plates that sits closest to the housing walls. They only have clutch material on one side and are smooth on the side were you put the shims. I do not think they are needed, you could just use regular clutch plates. But they are in there from the factory. See below pictures:

 

Well done.