Thoughts on diff strap alternative

[drunkenmaster]

I was cleaning up my diff strap ready to fit my LSD and remembered this item. What are peoples thoughts on using something like this vs. the OEM diff strap.

Thanks

[260Zed]

Yeah, I was looking at the one Alan had too. Not that I have spoken to anyone that has actually fitted it, but would there not be a lot more vibration passed on the the body of the car? A lot louder etc?

Would'nt mind knowing what you end up choosing though...

[drunkenmaster]

If I dont get any positive feed back I will just use the strap I think.

I am not entirely clear on the role of the strap in the first place due to the diff already being firmly bolted to its front crossmember. It doesnt appear it could go anyhere with or without the strap.

[Bambikiller240]

My understanding is that the strap is supposed to work in conjunction with the Front Diff mount. The strap limits upward travel, and the Front Diff mount is a cushion/isolator (like a motor mount). If too much force is put on the strap (by hard launches, etc) it can stretch, and then the front diff mount can get torn in half by the excessive upward movement of the diff snout.

Over here in the US a solid metal Diff mount is sold and the (few) people I've talked to that tried it claim that it transmits a lot of noise and vibration into the chassis. A while back someone was selling a replacement for the rubber strap that was made out of steel cable, but I don't know anything about it.

[jmortensen]

Take a look at this. Cheap and easy to make, better than a solid diff mount, easier looking than what you've shown above. http://album.hybridz.org/showphoto.php?photo=2501&size=big&cat=1&page=1

[Bambikiller240]

Here's another option: http://63.230.175.50:8884/Files/Datsun/LSD-Brace/Diff-Mount.htm

[260DET]

I was cleaning up my diff strap ready to fit my LSD and remembered this item. What are peoples thoughts on using something like this vs. the OEM diff strap.

Thanks

A friend of mine has a 300 rwhp S30 and uses one of those with excellent results. The only time you know its there as a passenger is during extreme accelearation when you may hear some muted bumps.

The only thing is his does not have the flat ended rubbers, his are pointed and adjusted to just clear the diff casing. I'd definately use one

[thehelix112]

I've got a length of chain with a rubber hose over it in my car at the moment. Its perfect length so that it is taught when the bolts are done up. No issues as yet and about $5 bucks (and nothing to come loose too I suppose). Obviously has no adjustment and very little dampening effect but I didn't notice the difference.

Dave

[Zedrally]

Ah the chain method. Definately a Lindsay mod. Works well on the Rally car....

[beandip]

If you take a 3'' length of 2x 2 angle iron and mount it so that the lower porton will just be spaced 1/8'' below the bottom of the diff mount. Mark the upper part so that you can drill a hole through it and the hole will line up with the upper part of the rubber mount that is steel. Drill into the mount and tap the hole for a 3/8'' bolt and assemble . This will not allow the diff to rise more than the 1/8 when you launch and under normal driving it wont be in any contact . The Member of this web site that built the spindel pin puller also makes these and other parts of this type. I don't remember his name or I would post it. I have one installed on my Z but I don't have a dig cammera. I will try and take a picture of it installed . Gary THE GUY'S NAME IS V8-240z he just posted on another thread send him a PM

[thehelix112]

Zedrally,

Yes indeed. Still gotta chain my block to the engine x-member. then I need the plates BONDGZ

Dave

[Bambikiller240]

Gary:

I've already provided a link to Daves webpage with pictures of the bracket that he sells. See post #6 on this page