Since I have been using a rough 79 Spider as a winter beater this year, and I don't really like getting stuck on flat ice, I ordered and finally received a Lada Niva torsen diff. I did as much research as I could and it seemed like it should fit. Got into it today. The axles fit, ring gear will fit, but the case is too narrow. So back together it went, and one wheel wonder it remains.
Not enjoying the feeling of defeat, I may take it over to the machine shop and see if they can widen it up.
Anyway, I thought I would share that as I have heard some discussion about whether or not these fit.
Lada Torsen diff
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FiatFunk
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 8:32 pm
- Your car is a: 1979 Pininfarina 1975 Spider 1990 Lancia
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18Fiatsandcounting
- Posts: 3799
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- Your car is a: 1969 and 1971 124 spiders
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Re: Lada Torsen diff
When you say the "case was too narrow", can you give us some more details on that? Too narrow in what way?
-Bryan
-Bryan
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FiatFunk
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 8:32 pm
- Your car is a: 1979 Pininfarina 1975 Spider 1990 Lancia
Re: Lada Torsen diff
The cone bearings, if placed on the ends of the diff cage would be inside of the bearing caps.
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Nut124
- Posts: 748
- Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2017 6:39 pm
- Your car is a: 1978 124 Spider 1800
Re: Lada Torsen diff
Sorry to hear about your troubles.
I have one in my -78 and like it much so far. I think the -79 and later cannot use the earlier diff carrier assy.
I assume you bought it on eBay and not from a Fiat expert?
I have one in my -78 and like it much so far. I think the -79 and later cannot use the earlier diff carrier assy.
I assume you bought it on eBay and not from a Fiat expert?
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FiatFunk
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Fri Jan 08, 2021 8:32 pm
- Your car is a: 1979 Pininfarina 1975 Spider 1990 Lancia
Re: Lada Torsen diff
That's alright, was just a couple hours work. I'll prob just try it on the 75 Spider instead. But I will have to figure out more traction on the 79 for next winter.
And yes I just picked it up off ebay.
And yes I just picked it up off ebay.
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ORFORD2004
- Posts: 1120
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- Your car is a: 1983 PININFARINA
- Location: Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada
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Nut124
- Posts: 748
- Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2017 6:39 pm
- Your car is a: 1978 124 Spider 1800
Re: Lada Torsen diff
Oxford, thanks for the LSD link. That is interesting.
I bought the ruski LSD for strength of the diff carrier as much as I wanted it for the LSC. The Fiat 124 original diff carrier is hopelessly weak, porous cast iron. If you manage to up power into 100+ and drive hard, they break. I have broken three Fiat diffs in my -78. They always break in the same spot. The carrier brg journal on the ring gear side breaks off. This journal is hollow as the drive shaft goes thru it. The wall thickness and material strength are inadequate.
The ruski LSD seems to be billet steel. Good so far.
Since the LSD applies power to both wheels, the rear end can come loose when stepping on it hard in a corner. This rarely or never was the case with the open diff, which spun the inside tire. Something I had to get used to.
I bought the ruski LSD for strength of the diff carrier as much as I wanted it for the LSC. The Fiat 124 original diff carrier is hopelessly weak, porous cast iron. If you manage to up power into 100+ and drive hard, they break. I have broken three Fiat diffs in my -78. They always break in the same spot. The carrier brg journal on the ring gear side breaks off. This journal is hollow as the drive shaft goes thru it. The wall thickness and material strength are inadequate.
The ruski LSD seems to be billet steel. Good so far.
Since the LSD applies power to both wheels, the rear end can come loose when stepping on it hard in a corner. This rarely or never was the case with the open diff, which spun the inside tire. Something I had to get used to.