1958 limited slip diff

[jenasp]

I am trying to find a ls diff for my 1958 sixty special. Any advise of where to find one would be nice. I live in northern Sweden and use my car as a daily driver all year. It performs great in the winter but some extra traction in the snow would be nice. J Aspen

[jenasp]

I have been searching the internet for some advise and some say the 55 to 64 Chevy diff would work.

[Philippe M. Ruel]

GM introduced optional LS differentials in some 1958 cars including Chevrolets, and on 1962 Cadillacs.

Though various commercial names were used ("Positraction" on Chevrolets, "Positive traction" on Buicks, "Anti-spin" on Oldsmobiles, "Controlled" on Cadillacs) they were all made by Spicer on the same principle. You'll have to find one with the correct ratio - 3.07:1 or 3.36:1, depending on the one on your car : 3.07:1 will have a "3" stamped on case, 3.36:1 will have a "6" or an "X".

From my 1966 parts book listing 1953-66 axle housings and 1946-66 diffs : axle housings were the same whether a LS or standard diff was inside. Though, housings were almost year-specific (1954-56, 1957, 1958-59, 1959-62, 1963-64 and 1965-66 for standard cars). So unfortunately don't expect to throw any Cadillac (or GM) full axle under your car with no further modification.

HTH

[jenasp]

Thank you for your help. If i get you correct i could buy a new diff caryer for a Chevy and reuse my ring and pinion.

[TJ Hopland]

I have never researched this myself but it seems like what I have read is that Cadillac always seemed to have something slightly different about their stuff so I would not count on being able to put Chev guts in your housing.

Maybe ask your question over here, lots of people there that may have experience in this sort of thing. 

http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/forum/index.php/board,1.0.html

[Ken Perry]

I have a cad limited slip diff. Don't know what gear ratio,will check. If you are still looking. Ken Perry

[jenasp]

Yes I'm still looking.The ratio is no big deal. i can use my ring and pinion if necessary.

[Ken Perry]

I will try and get you a picture of the 3rd member tomorrow and the ratio. Ken Perry

[jenasp]

Sounds great. Do you know What car it came from?

[jenasp]

Hello Ken. Any updates on the diff? J Aspen.

[INTMD8]

Yes I'm still looking.The ratio is no big deal. i can use my ring and pinion if necessary.

Usually you need the differential to have the same series gear as you want to use. (2 series/3 series/4 series) as ring gear placement is different. I'm not sure if Cadillac is the same.

[jenasp]

Correct me if I'm wrong but i believe the Carrier is adjustable sideways to compensate for different ratios. J Aspen

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
These carriers were NEVER meant to be taken apart. Any service work was done at the factory using a very special machine.I would be concerned about fitting in your housing and the axle splines being correct. Be careful before you ship a 100# rear end  across the big pond.
HTH, Bob

[jenasp]

I have a 3,07 ratio diff. If Kens is 3,36 it would work just fine for winter driving since it is quite simple to remove the complete third member.

[jenasp]

Hello Ken. Did you forget to check the diff J Aspen

[TonyZappone #2624]

I bought my '58 with a bad rear end.  They are riveted together, they don't come apart.  I had to put in a whole used axle assembly.

[jenasp]

Mine is bolted. I removed mine when i first got the car trying to find a rear end noise(turned out to be a wheel bearing). The biggest problem i found is that the thing probably weighs the same as a prius. J aspen

[dadscad]

So true, they weigh close to 100 lbs., better have a transmission jack or a pair of very strong arms to catch it coming out and to press it back in.

[jenasp]

Hello ken. I'm still waiting. J aspen