Traction Concepts LSD Conversion Installation
Thinking of Installing Your Traction Concepts LSD Conversion Yourself?
Traction Concepts LSD Conversions are custom-designed to for your OEM differential carrier—this isn't a "one-size-fits-all" product. This is not a whole differential replacement. A Traction Concepts LSD Conversion installs into the center of your factory OEM carrier between the axle and pinion spider gear; so all of these differential components need to be in good working condition. It's not always going to be a plug-and-play installation, so either having a professional shop that has access to the tools needed for the installation is highly recommended. Any skilled DIY car owner that understands the transmission assembly, or rear differential assembly if you are dealing with a rear differential, can likely handle the installation as well, since it can be simpler than many traditional aftermarket limited-slip differential install.
In some cases, you may need to prepare the gear mating surfaces that mate with our Limited Slip Plates—specifically to the axle and/or spider gear faces that make contact with our Limited Slip Plates. This is our coined term, "Gear Prep, and the Gear Prep step." It's not always needed, though be prepared to do this at the time of the installation.
Why would resurfacing the gear mating surfaces be needed?
Our engineering team at Traction Concepts, designed a budget friendly limited-slip option that works with your factory differential carrier. We didn't come up with a whole differential replacement and we didn't manufacture the factory differentials or components. If you find your LSD Conversion Kits may require the gear prep step, think of it like when when you need to prep new brake rotor surfaces or preparing a flywheel to achieve maximum grip.
Differential Axle and/or Side Smaller Spider Gear Prep, If Needed:
This Gear Prep step may or may not be needed. Nothing is to be done until you have the Traction Concepts LSD Conversion Kit in hand and the differential out on the bench ready for the installation. That way you know exactly what clearance tolerances you're working with. More on that here-"Will I need to Machine My Gears."
The gear prep can be done using a lathe, mill, or tools like a table sander or bench grinder. However, not every installation will require gear prep. If you're uncertain, please reach out to us for guidance and what clearance tolerances to leave the LSD Conversion setup at, before releasing the Conversion Kit to finish complete the installation. Going slow during the resurfacing process is advised so you don't risk taking too much off.
The mating surface of the gear faces are not part of the functionality of your open differential. You are not going into the teeth of the axle or spider pinion gears. You are only making the mating surface flate to mate with the Traction Concepts LSD Plates by making way for clearance tolerances allowed and removing any raised casting, letters, or grooves around the axle holes.
It’s important to understand that our Limited Slip Disc Plates are designed to work with your axle and spider-pinion gears—in combination with our Progressive-Rate Springs. A smooth, flat gear surface is essential for achieving the best traction performance. Read more about that here, "The Key to Optimal Performance."
Traction Concepts LSD Conversion Kit is all You Need:
Traction Concepts Limited Slip Disc Plates are engineered to function alone and not compatible with third-party friction plates or other similar accessories marketed to work with our LSD Conversion. You also won't need anything else besides what comes with your custom Traction Concepts LSD Conversion.
Lubricants, Oil:
Traction Concepts LSD Conversions work optimally with high-grade synthetics or what your vehicle manufacturerr recommends. We highly advise NOT using special lubricants that state for LSD, Limited-Slip differentials, or any lubricants with additives or friction modifiers.
Need Help?
For installation tips and examples, check out our FAQ page. Additional videos from our users can be found shared below and on our YouTube Channel. The information and specs may not be exact to our spec recommendations, like clearance tolerances for example. Though our users have many tips and tricks that could be specific to your application or they may offer something you resonate with.
If you have questions or need more information, feel free to contact us before starting the installation. While some installs go smoothly, many require more than just plug-and-play—even with a kit designed specifically for your differential.
User shared videos of
Traction Concepts LSD Conversions below:
