03+ Limited Slip Project

[02V8Sport]

I completed the Limited Slip swap this week and here are my findings.

I had to use the GEN1 (00-02) carrier and axles to make this project work. The top picture is of the stock differential.

Here are the two diffs side by side for comparison.

Picture of the diff I used.

Picture of the LSD installed in the GEN1 carrier.

Here is a pic of the GEN2 carrier apart, measurement wise it looks like it will take the same diff. Notice that the GEN2 carrier only has 1 bearing main cap, the other side has a bearing that fits into the carrier casing. I tried to pull this diff out but it is not very easy since the one side is encased in the casing.

Overall the swap was WELL worth the effort. On dry roads you can just slam the gas pedal and get excellent traction off the line. I drove it in the snow yesterday and it was a 1000% improvement over stock. I was able to get around much better. Today on the wet roads the car was also able to move from a dead stop just like it was a dry road with the old open diff. This mod willl GREATLY improve 0-60 and 1/4 times due to having double the traction off the line.

 

[KD00LS]

Looks like it went smoothly. Nice work.

 

[02V8Sport]

Looks like it went smoothly. Nice work.

Thanks KD00LS, it did go as smooth as it could. I highly recommend for anyone doing this to have a spare carrier and setting it up before the swap. If you try to do it all at once you are in for a BIG project.

 

[HyeLifeLS]

Nice, what' sthe gear ratio? Same?

 

[02V8Sport]

Nice, what' sthe gear ratio? Same?

I have a GEN1 carrier with a 3.58 ratio in there now to match the 03+ carrier gearing.

 

[KD00LS]

So... where's the burnout video?

 

[LS8]

Did any LS's come stock with an LSD?

 

[02V8Sport]

Did any LS's come stock with an LSD?

No.

 

[Quik LS]

great work. Never saw the inside of the Gen2 it looked weird from the outside - but that now explains why.....

How did you work through the shims? that part was a total pain...

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

Nice, what' sthe gear ratio? Same?

Stock LS case=Stock LS gear ratios.

Only way to gear up is to change to the 8.8 unit.

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

That Gen2 is kinda crazy inside. Can't see the LSD working in there.

 

[02V8Sport]

great work. Never saw the inside of the Gen2 it looked weird from the outside - but that now explains why.....

How did you work through the shims? that part was a total pain...

Took the stock shims to a grinding wheel and shaved off a tiny bit to make them thinner. The LSD fit nice and snug into the carrier.

 

[Quik LS]

Took the stock shims to a grinding wheel and shaved off a tiny bit to make them thinner. The LSD fit nice and snug into the carrier.

cool - did you do the whole teeth paint gig?

 

[02V8Sport]

cool - did you do the whole teeth paint gig?

Yes, no howling coming from this rear end. Also used a guage to check backlash, so its good as gold!

 

[skizot722]

Yes, no howling coming from this rear end. Also used a guage to check backlash, so its good as gold!

Ah, c'mon, you don't like the howling? It sounds like a jet engine winding down in my Chevelle. Good work, man.

 

[jolinc01]

Just wondered if any LSD would fit or if it was a specific LSD designed for the LS? Probably a noob question, but I'm clueless with rearends (cars that is)

Also for anyone looking here's a 2000 diff on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rear...012QQitemZ220212445427QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[02V8Sport]

Just wondered if any LSD would fit or if it was a specific LSD designed for the LS? Probably a noob question, but I'm clueless with rearends (cars that is)

There is no LSD specifically designed for the LS.

 

[jolinc01]

There is no LSD specifically designed for the LS.

What did you use?

 

[ILLS]

What did you use?

If you search around in here you will find a few recent threads with tons of information you are looking for.

 

[jolinc01]

If you search around in here you will find a few recent threads with tons of information you are looking for.

Thanks......don't know how I forgot the search button! Must be lack of sleep

 

[NateRW21]

Well, that really makes me question if the 8.8 will fit in the Gen II housing... Hopefully we'll get lucky, but I'm no longer holding my breath!

 

[GWL]

I dearly want an LSD in my car, but being far from an urban center, I think I will have to wait until someone figures out a way to put one in the Gen II carrier.

 

[02V8Sport]

So... where's the burnout video?

LOL!! With 285 wide rear tires and this LSD that will be a challenge.

 

[Garbone]

Is it fair to say that no one is pursuing the gen2 carrier/LSD swap? Besides maybe me?

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

Why are you guys so worried with keeping the Gen2 carrier, just swap in the Gen1 unit with Gen1 axles and be done.