Auburn Diff

[Snowleeper]

I've got a 2001 Camero SS with the SLP exhaust and the 2002 ram air intake cover. I've recently had a problem with the bearings in my differential and they need to be replaced. Since they are going to crack open my diffy any way, I'm thinking of upgrading to the Auburn Diff.

What benefits will I get from this upgrade? Just increased durability or a noticible increase in RW torque?

Thanks in advance.

[Snowleeper]

Any one have any input? Gonna have to make a decision soon.

[DVS LT1]

An Auburn diff would be more durable and should improve traction over the stock unit. I doubt if you would really notice that much of a difference in performance though. Let me know how it turns out if you go ahead with the swap.

My posi's clutch is gone and I need to replace it anyways with a 3 series carrier (to fit bigger gears). I know Auburn makes 2 different posi units, and one fellow on this forum said he went through the Pro Series diff in four years (worn clutches). He recommended springing for the High Performance Series.

Your car is new and although you must have beat that rear end it should still be in good shape. I'd weigh the cost of a bearing change against the cost of a new unit, and ask yourself if its worth it knowing you'll probably have to replace the entire diff sometime in the future. Are you running stock gears?

I happened to be at my buddy's Chevy dealership garage this summer when he was working on a 2001+ SS's rear end. He said that this was the second rear end he'd put back together recently and joked how gear changes and hard driving simply shred these units. If your stock diff was older like mine I'd say replace it with an aftermarket piece. Nevertheless, I don't think replacing yours would be a bad decision.

[89IROC&RS]

i disagree, if your car is a SS it more likley than not has a torsen rear end in it. the torsen is much better than an auburn. i would keep what you have. in fact, i bought a torsen out of a 96 firebird to replace my borg warner posi in my 1989 IROC. as far as a performance difference, there isnt one between carrier's, at least none you would feel by driving, the difference would be in traction. an auburn unit is a posi, limited slip unit, using cone shaped clutches to reduce single wheel spin, but it is essentially still an open rear end, and when the clutches burn out, you have just that, an open rear end. the torsen unit is a gear driven torque biasing rear end, no clutches to burn out, and sends power to the wheel with traction by taking it away from the wheel with slippage. this is one case when i would say gm did their homework, and switching to an aftermarket unit would be a step backwards. the only difference in performance regarding the rear end, is gear ratio.

[89IROC&RS]

but hey, if you want the auburn, keep the torsen and feel free to mail it to me, id be more than happy to find a home for it in my RS

[Snowleeper]

I do have the torsen rear end in the car right now.

With that in mind, I'll have to do some more research before I switch out. Looks like I'll miss this window of oppertunity. From what I've been told by my dealer, I'll have another chance in about 30,000. Seems like he replaces a lot of bearings on Camaro diffs. Makes me glad I bought the extended service contract. Cost to me: $100.

[hot_red_z28]

Originally Posted by DVS LT1

one fellow on this forum said he went through the Pro Series diff in four years (worn clutches). He recommended springing for the High Performance Series.

Often times that happens because people don't realize they are not supposed to use synthenic gear oil with the aftermarket auburn units. Obviously I don't know if that was that guys problem, but if you use synthetic fluid in the Auburns, their is not enough friction so the clutches burn out quicker. If regular oil is used, there should be no such problems...

[DVS LT1]

Eh IROC, wish you were around back when I posted a thread about my screwed up differential. Can you help me out?

It was my understanding that GM used Zexel-Torsen limited slip differentials as standard equipment on all Fourth gen F-Bodies, with Auburn units available with certain axle/gear options. I was pretty sure I had a "plain" old Torsen in my '95 Z28, and about a year ago I basically lost posi-traction. The mechanics I asked and the people who posted in my thread all said the posi clutchpack had simply worn out. This was after I had fresh diff fluid put it (not-synthetic RedZ, I had asked but they said I couldn't) along with an additive but it didn't help.

I wish I had access to my car cause I would check the codes to verify which unit I have. But from what you described it sounds like I must have an Auburn unit then right? I'm in the market for a new differntial (for gears) and I've looked at Auburn and Eaton, but are you saying the best replacement would in fact be a factory Zexel-Torsen unit?

[89IROC&RS]

sorry to hear about the screw up at the dealership, but to be honest, youd be surprised at how many guys at the dealership, really dont know about what they are working on, they find out what PN they are supposed to have, get that PN, and put it in, but couldnt tell you the gear ratio, torsen or auburn, or 7.5 or 8.5in, but they can put it together right, and therefore its fixed. but chances are you had an auburn if you lost posi, cuz if a torsen lets go to the point you have an open rear, there will be lots of litle peices in the back, makeing sounds like rocks in a coffee grinder. as far as your options, im not a rear end specialist by any means, but i do believe that the torsen unit is the best option available for the F-bodies as far as rear end carriers. thats why i got one for my car.