Miata Mailing List: April 1997, Message #154
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From: 	"Brian K. Dore'" <bkd@usl.edu>

Subject: Torsen Differences (was: Depressed again)

Date: 	Tue, 1 Apr 1997 22:21:16 -0500





Dennis said:





>  BIG PROBLEM. I got the parts (differential, drive shaft, short shafts)

but

>  they are for a Miata with ABS.  My 91 BRG does not have ABS The dealer

>  says the splines are all different, and it will not work.

>  I need your advice and counsel.  Can I find a torsen for a none ABS

car??

>  I screwed, completely?  Thanks.  "Obiwan, you're my only hope."



I am really interested in the solution to this problem because upgrading to

a torsen is really high on my list of things to do.  First of all I'd like

to know which splines are different.  From what I understand the driveshaft

(or propeller shaft according to Mazda) slides into the rear of the

transmission and bolts to the input shaft of the differential with four

bolts.  The half shafts (drive shafts according to Mazda) bolt to the

output shaft of the differential with four bolts and the splines at the

other ends fit the rear hubs.  Right?  There are some additional splines

involved if for some reason the differential input or output shafts are

dissasembled, or if the 'universal joints' on the halfshafts are

dissasembled, but I wouldn't think that this would be the case.  Right?



So I have to assume that the halfshaft splines don't fit the rear hubs for

some reason.  I don't know how ABS comes into play other than there has to

be some kind of sensor or something that detects how fast (or if) a

particular rear wheel is turning and if there is a difference in the

differential case or half shafts, I presume it's on one of those.  I always

thought it would be bolted on the caliper or something, but it seems not. 

It would really surprise me if the ABS sensors are integrated into a

component and not bolted on or otherwise atttached to the affected part. 

Seems like it would be a lot of additional expense to have two different

parts. Then again, if it is on a halfshaft, then I suppose that the part

might need to be made different to be balanced...  



So if the splines are really different on ABS and non-abs cars, then can

either the hubs be replaced or can the ends of the halfshaft from the

universal be changed?  I know Dennis is dying up there without a Miata for

three weeks and I was one of the people that encouraged him to go with a

Torsen so I feel pretty guilty as well as curious. 



Any help or information would be really appreciated!



Brian Dore'

Lafayette, LA