Difficulty warning: Noobs 9.5/10. Experienced 6-7/10
Tools needed:
10mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 32mm (1.25”) 7/8”, 15/16” socket. I used a ¾” when I needed two 19mm, and 11/16” for the 17mm. Obviously that wasn’t optimal, but I used what I had to save money.
Torque wrench, breakers bars and/or pneumatic impact wrenches and socket extenders. It also helps to have closed and open end wrenches in those measurements as some bolt are difficult to get too.
1 Jack minimum, and 2 jack stands that are rated for at least 3000 lbs or suitable car lift (body lifting not wheels).
Pry bar and metal hammer and chisel and a rubber or brass ‘soft’ hammer.
Paper and pen, permanent marker (light colored preferred)
Phillips head screw driver and flathead
Pliers
Dial indicator (for checking backlash)
Gear marker (for checking pattern)
Suspension/Spring compressor
Scotch pad and or scraping blade.
RTV gasket maker
Blue Loctite thread sealer (I used red, read below)
Brake cleaner
75w-90 weight differential oil, ~1.4 quarts.
Plenty of rags.
A metal rod 'punch' works well for sticking into a 25%-99% lined up holes, sticking it in and prying the holes to line up.
It helps if you have a work bench or a vise or something to hold the differential case.
The LSD obviously and a shim pack to go with it.
Two people is HIGHLY recommended, especially for removing/installing the axles, and removing/installing the differential case.
If you don’t have any of those tools, Advanced Auto and Autozone has a tool loaner program where you can buy the tools, use them for up to 45 days and then return them and get your money back.
Every spec is from the HMA 2.0 service manual. I am 99% sure the 3.8 is the same, and I am only listing lb-ft not Nm or anything else but that is available on HMA. You can download the service manuals from this link (insert link) and I would advise familiarizing yourself with it and using it along with this how to. It is what I used to do this job and a bit of internet research, but I am saving you a little time by telling you wrench sizes and providing real pictures to help those no familiar and go into a bit more detail and help tell you some time saving essential details left out by HMA.
Assembly is opposite of disassembly, so I am putting the specs on the disassembly. With any job it is wise to take a picture of your work before hand, in case you forget how it goes back together, and I would also mark all of your bolts with some tape and a few words.
Since this is my first time, there where times that I got focues/pre-occupied and forgot to snap some photos, but I took a bunch of 'generic' pics and will use MS paint to highlight the necessary areas.
****This is just my account of what I did and how, to the best of my ability. It might not be the best or safest or easiest/fastest method, but I did and it and worked for me. I am not responsible for anyone doing any damage to their property or their person. I tried my best to do something I never did before (LSD swap) and thought I would share my experiences or notes with you guys. If something sounds dangerous or makes no sense to you, use common sense and don't do just because I said so. If any one with more experience sees any MAJOR errors (not just small differences in technique as there are many of those) please PM me and I will fix it and/or add it and give you the credit.*****
Tools needed:
10mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 32mm (1.25”) 7/8”, 15/16” socket. I used a ¾” when I needed two 19mm, and 11/16” for the 17mm. Obviously that wasn’t optimal, but I used what I had to save money.
Torque wrench, breakers bars and/or pneumatic impact wrenches and socket extenders. It also helps to have closed and open end wrenches in those measurements as some bolt are difficult to get too.
1 Jack minimum, and 2 jack stands that are rated for at least 3000 lbs or suitable car lift (body lifting not wheels).
Pry bar and metal hammer and chisel and a rubber or brass ‘soft’ hammer.
Paper and pen, permanent marker (light colored preferred)
Phillips head screw driver and flathead
Pliers
Dial indicator (for checking backlash)
Gear marker (for checking pattern)
Suspension/Spring compressor
Scotch pad and or scraping blade.
RTV gasket maker
Blue Loctite thread sealer (I used red, read below)
Brake cleaner
75w-90 weight differential oil, ~1.4 quarts.
Plenty of rags.
A metal rod 'punch' works well for sticking into a 25%-99% lined up holes, sticking it in and prying the holes to line up.
It helps if you have a work bench or a vise or something to hold the differential case.
The LSD obviously and a shim pack to go with it.
Two people is HIGHLY recommended, especially for removing/installing the axles, and removing/installing the differential case.
If you don’t have any of those tools, Advanced Auto and Autozone has a tool loaner program where you can buy the tools, use them for up to 45 days and then return them and get your money back.
Every spec is from the HMA 2.0 service manual. I am 99% sure the 3.8 is the same, and I am only listing lb-ft not Nm or anything else but that is available on HMA. You can download the service manuals from this link (insert link) and I would advise familiarizing yourself with it and using it along with this how to. It is what I used to do this job and a bit of internet research, but I am saving you a little time by telling you wrench sizes and providing real pictures to help those no familiar and go into a bit more detail and help tell you some time saving essential details left out by HMA.
Assembly is opposite of disassembly, so I am putting the specs on the disassembly. With any job it is wise to take a picture of your work before hand, in case you forget how it goes back together, and I would also mark all of your bolts with some tape and a few words.
Since this is my first time, there where times that I got focues/pre-occupied and forgot to snap some photos, but I took a bunch of 'generic' pics and will use MS paint to highlight the necessary areas.
****This is just my account of what I did and how, to the best of my ability. It might not be the best or safest or easiest/fastest method, but I did and it and worked for me. I am not responsible for anyone doing any damage to their property or their person. I tried my best to do something I never did before (LSD swap) and thought I would share my experiences or notes with you guys. If something sounds dangerous or makes no sense to you, use common sense and don't do just because I said so. If any one with more experience sees any MAJOR errors (not just small differences in technique as there are many of those) please PM me and I will fix it and/or add it and give you the credit.*****