For those who don't know - I'm approx 1/2 way through my CA18det conversion project on my 1200 ute.

Just got the R31 diff back from being shortened & trying to decide what to do......

Options: -

1) Convert to a LSD configuration - I can get a centre for about $120, but my diff guy is telling me I should rebuild if I do this.
Looking at approx $600.

2) Detroit locker or similar - I can get a locker for about $250 & should be able fit to the diff without a rebuild, but I'm worried about handling...... Does anyone have one fitted that can advise how it affects handling in the wet etc.

3) Leave as is in open centre configuration to save $$$ - How bad will wheelspin / handling be?

Thanx

Open and you'll wheelspin plenty and a detroit is a terrible thing i reckon. Noisy as hell and poping in and out all the time. Sometimes the wrong time if your up it then back off around a corner etc. LSDs are expensive but are the best compromise. Nice to drive and spin both wheels. Also if your a thrasher and LSD can suffer early wear.

What about a spool. Cheap as. $100. Wont break and 28spline axles should be fine too. Both wheels locked constant. Bad thing is tyre wear, shirp noise, parking and wet weather.

i have a locker in mine, its not too bad, makes the annoying noise round corners but the handling is fine, reversing is still the same, but yeah... the only downside i see is tyre wear, and getting done by the police for it....

mate where abouts in brissy i'll show ya wat ive done with my ute, and take you for a ride to show ya the R31 diff workin, im in sunnybank if your anywhere near me it'd make it easier

if your keen that is???? ive only drivin mine in the wet once, scary at first, but fun.

hava good one champ

The Detroit locker is not really a good idea as you really need to develop a whole new driving technique for it. I had one in a Falcon Van for evaluation for about six months & it had the ability to get you into more trouble than it could get you out of.
Great for 4WD'ing, or drag racing, but on the street, not really all that good.

A welded locker is illegal on the street, for good reason.

Guys - Thanks for the advice.

Looks like the Detrot is out.

I'll try to come up with the money on the LSD now to save having to pull the whole diff assembly out for rebuilding at a later date.
My wallet's got a permanent crease due to opening up for the ute anyway .

Sooty_grunter - I'm not too far away.... Graceville.
Keen to catch up & compare notes..... You have a PM.

I believe the BW78 came in heaps of falcons and even IRS commodores?

Might be worthwhile finding a luxury barge with auto and LSD, at least then it might still be fairly tight!

Go with the LSD mate. The wheelspin out of corners will annoy you more than being a few hundred dollars lighter in the hip pocket. It might be worth taking the centre to another rebuilder as they are usually fairly cheap to recondition.

Street or race ?

Save you pennies bite the bullet and get the LSD , you'll never regret it. I raced the coupe with an open diff and the H145 LSD that I found for my car made a world of differance. Locked rear ends are the worst even on the track , the one and only car I raced with a locker was rather abrut..........open diffs just drive you nuts , nobody has good enogh throttle control to deal with the constant wheel spin coming off corners , especially hairpins. On the street in the rain I'm sure using 2nd gear to start would help with an open diff but for $600 you can fix all your problems.

Tom