Transaxle LSD questions

[BrianN]

I need to install a 4.44:1 R&P in my Subaru 5mt trans that I have converted to 2wd. (shortest ratio used in this trans) I am hoping to make the gear ratio "usable". Gap between 2nd and 3rd is too big. I checked into shorter paddles, but my 30" tall tires seem to be shortest, without going to a smaller wheel. I know the final drive won't change the gear stack ratios, but I am hoping 3rd will be usable as top gear. (Without going 80 mph) After all, I only go to Little Sahara. Close ratio gear stacks are available, but it will add about another $2000.00. Not worth it for me. I am considering installing a LSD while I am at it. Do turning brakes work with a LSD? My car, mid engine and very short, doesn't really need them, but can be fun sometimes. I always assumed the "super diff" for VW tranny's made them 2wd, but from what I have read recently, it doesn't. They are still open diff. Are the aftermarket transaxles open, locked, or limited slip? I also know a gear maker, and may ask him if he can make different ratio 3rd gears. Any thoughts on that?

[dsrace]

i completely understand you need to bring ground speeds down!  so the last fully built 091 i had was a sper diff with 4 spider gears. it was called poor mans posi but it was still an open diff. it would throw 2 roosts in a straight line and in min turns. now a tru lsd......ard to say about cutting breaks. i know with 4 spider gears cutting brakes weren't an issue. i dont use my cutting brakes often except in the trails following budlight or mike. that 2 are squirrly drivers in the trails! so i thought they offered a 4.86 r&p for the suby trans? what is the current r&p ratio?

[fabr]

SFAIK you need an open diff for cutting brakes. FWIW,I have never had a reason to use a cutting brake. My car goes where I point it.

[DeepBusch69]

i completely understand you need to bring ground speeds down!  so the last fully built 091 i had was a sper diff with 4 spider gears. it was called poor mans posi but it was still an open diff. it would throw 2 roosts in a straight line and in min turns. now a tru lsd......ard to say about cutting breaks. i know with 4 spider gears cutting brakes weren't an issue. i dont use my cutting brakes often except in the trails following budlight or mike. that 2 are squirrly drivers in the trails! so i thought they offered a 4.86 r&p for the suby trans? what is the current r&p ratio?

That's what makes the trails so much fun.     Like DS, my last 091 had a super diff, and with cutting brake, we could turn that thing 180 ^ no problem, but it was a lot lighter front end then my car now, and round buffed tires. 

[BrianN]

I was told there was a 4.86 before. I can only find a 4.44 now. SubaruGears makes a lower set, but they are special made. I have a 3.9 in my buggy now. I have another trans with 3.9, and one with a 4.11. The 4.11 won't make a noticable difference in my situation, though. I have talked myself into staying with the stock open diff and turning brakes. I think the key is just to not be "on the gas" when using them. I did come across a lot of info on this subject on forums and internet. The more I learn, the more confused I get!!!

[dsrace]

I was told there was a 4.86 before. I can only find a 4.44 now. SubaruGears makes a lower set, but they are special made. I have a 3.9 in my buggy now. I have another trans with 3.9, and one with a 4.11. The 4.11 won't make a noticable difference in my situation, though. I have talked myself into staying with the stock open diff and turning brakes. I think the key is just to not be "on the gas" when using them. I did come across a lot of info on this subject on forums and internet. The more I learn, the more confused I get!!!

well the 4.44 from a 3.9 will be a noticeable diff. maybe not night and day but def noticeable. now if they offered on with 4 spider gears that would be the way to go. not matter what cutting brakes are taxing on diffs. its all a trade off one way or another. on a side note..... when i had the fully built 091 ( not a dons bus box pile as they are not fully built not even actually built) i would stomp the tall skinny pedal while ripping the cutting brake w/o issues for 3 years. that had a weddle super diff and 4 spider gears.