Installing a TORSEN limited slip rear differential in my 1997 Toyota RAV4 (episode 39)

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Polyurethane: amzn.to/410n0BG
www.toyota.com/owners/vehicle...
parts.toyota.com/
www.toyotapartsdeal.com/
RAV4 service manuals: click.linksynergy.com/deeplin...
Torque specs:
Shock upper mount nut: 11 ft-lb (15 Nm)
Subframe and diff front mount nuts: 74 ft-lb (100 Nm)
Diff front mount bolts: 98 ft-lb (133 Nm)
Exhaust bolts: 35 ft-lb (47 Nm)
Diff rear mount to car: 48 ft-lb (65 Nm)
Diff rear mount to diff: 101 ft-lb (137 Nm)
Differential fill and drain plugs: 36 ft-lb (49 Nm)
Rear CV axle flange nuts: 41 ft-lb (56 Nm)
Driveshaft bolts: 54 ft-lb (73 Nm)
Axle nuts: 160 ft-lb (217 Nm)
Lug nuts: 80 ft-lb (108 Nm)
Tool sizes:
Rear shock upper nut: 14mm (Toyota) or 17mm (OME)
Subframe and diff front mount nuts: 17mm
Diff front mount bolts: 17mm
Exhaust bolts: 14mm
Diff rear mount to car: 14mm
Diff rear mount to diff: 17mm
Differential fill plug: 10mm or 3/8" or T55
Differential drain plug: 24mm or 15/16"
Rear CV axle flange nuts: 14mm
Driveshaft bolts: 14mm
Axle nuts: 30mm
Lug nuts: 21mm
Part numbers:
Exhaust gasket: Fel-Pro 23626
Rear differential support NO.1 (front): 52380-42071
Rear differential support NO.2 (rear): 52380-42082
Rear mount to diff bolts: 90119-14055
Rear mount to car bolts: 90119-10683
Front mount nuts: 90179-12131
Front mount bolts: 90105-12263
Fill plug: 90341-18032
Drain plug: 90341-18030
Copper washer: 12157-10010
Rear differential gear ratio: 2.92857
Ring gear: 41 teeth
Pinion gear: 14 teeth
All first generation manual and automatic transmission RAV4 have the same gear ratio in the differential.
Differential gear oil type:
75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 1.16 quarts (1.1 L)
Limited slip additive is not needed for a TORSEN differential.
0:00 intro
0:11 how a differential works
0:38 AWD vs 4WD
1:53 open differential test
3:15 remove the old differential
4:40 inspect rear mount
5:00 differential comparison open vs lsd
6:52 how a torsen differential works
7:56 part numbers and gear ratio
8:45 how to find torsen LSD
10:08 re-seal diff cover
10:54 remove diff front mount
11:38 inspecting rubber differential mounts
12:36 diff mount part numbers
13:20 fill mounts with urethane
15:35 move shock bushings
16:25 spring rubber insulator
18:03 install shock bushing
18:34 install diff front mount and subframe
20:29 install differential in car
22:04 fill diff gear oil
23:27 connect CV axles
24:13 connect driveshaft
25:02 adjust parking brake
26:35 install wheels
27:15 limited slip diff garage test
29:17 polyurethane mount test
29:47 snow pile test
30:26 driving in circles
32:43 Emigration Canyon
33:14 conclusion

[@MrAfdasdfa]

Boy I just finished the entire series and what a journey. Jesus christ the amount of effort you put in is incredible. If only all the rest of automotive youtube was as thorough and precise in everything from camera/illumination to parts spec/sourcing to the description of how the work flow goes......man we'd really all be in a better place as amateur wrenchers. Seriously, no holds barred this is some of the finest automotive content I have seen bar none. The only other stuff remotely as thorough was an automotive channel taught by a literal greybeard professor taking apart advanced hybrid powertrains for final year students. Thank you so much for your efforts I cannot wait to see what ludicrous project you take on next.

[@gonzogriff]

Without these videos I definitely would not have dove in head first on repairs and maintenance. I feel like I have learned a lot here. Already working on my other car I have had for 12 years and never wrenched by myself.

[@MrAfdasdfa]

@@gonzogriff Yeah I aspire to be as ridiculously detailed in the editing of my car or bike repair videos. Let this entire series be a lesson to anyone slapping together content: detail matters. You may not get the clicks that someone like ChrisFix gets, but you'll win hearts and minds and actually make an impact.

[@richardhaywoodh]

Great explanation of differential types & step by step RAV4 diff replacement with improved mountings

[@lexustech48]

Backfilling with the 3m window weld is a pretty gangster move. Nice work

[@Mr.Ry.T]

I always like how you make your tutorial videos as the information is complete with size of tools needed and torque specs in N.m. It gives me motivation to do the same with my Rav4 95.

[@rouge0449]

You should be the "Rav Goat Paul" for your amazing work on the Rav.

[@ohu1909]

I don't even have a Toyota, but your tutorial is amazing! The video quality is perfect, there is still enough light so we can see what you are doing and the torque specs are very helpful too. Good job man!

[@wrlatte9937]

Best tutorials on yt

[@seanc5827]

I love this type of modification. Well done. Torsens are awesome and simple.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! It seems to drive better in the snow now.

[@gonzogriff]

Yes! more rav4 content! Going to change all the differential fluids on mine soon. It was towed behind an RV for several years so I am restoring it to its former glory. Thanks for all your great videos, I've re watched them all several times now. edit: if anyone wants to sell me a torsen diff please reach out lol

[@tinygaragefab]

Great video. I just got a Torsen for my 2nd gen Camry All-Trac (same diff as RAV4). The Torsen was also optional in 1st gen Lexus RX300 and 01-02 Highlanders, so that increases your chances of finding a Torsen...but the Third Member housings are different for all three, requiring a little extra work for the swap. They all use the same diff internals, and all are equally rare. Mine was in a 2000 RX300, and it was 40% off day at the yard, so I was out the door for $76!

[@LabCoatPaul]

You're both smart and lucky! Congratulations on getting a Torsen differential for $76!

[@not12listen]

Your guide is genuinely awesome and really helpful! And now I want some bagels.

[@PatrickRich]

this takes me back. I had a 96 with the Torsen from factory (5-speed). So much fun in the Snow.

[@jeanpablohernandez3119]

Always legendary! keep up the great work!

[@Aug-Ustinus]

fun fact... I've seen the prices of mark1-rav4's raising a lot lately... almost double than what I payed for it 10 years ago!

[@Daemonettee]

Paul you legend, such a great video!! ❤️

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Fatboy53]

Luv your channel. Have a 97 AWD manual in Provo.

[@franciscogomezangulo5302]

Muchas gracias, estupendo como siempre y un gran trabajo.

[@hooh125]

Thank you for the video, there's not much information about torsen diff differences against open diff. Very informative

[@ambienteterrazas]

That is one little Rav4 i would not hesitate to take on my more remote camping trips, seems capable enough, good job!. I have a 4th gen Rav4 awd but it is not full time awd and its more of a crossover than a small off roader like yours.

[@Hyrshybyrshy]

I‘ll hopefully never have to do this but i watched the whole video. Good fun & insane quality content! You are the RAV-God! Greetings from Germany :-). P.S. What tires did you put on your RAV?

[@cachismith]

friend thank you very much for the very well explained video, it's a pity that the vin of my car did not work because it does not work with cell phone numbers outside the usa !

[@piwex69]

Thank you for this informational video. Until now I was sure Torsen was a family name of some nordic engineer that had invented the thing. Not kidding. The more I know.

[@zippy0n942]

Excellent video, almost didn’t click on it but glad I did, like and definitely subscribed

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching! I have 46 video about the RAV4 here: kzbin.info/aero/PL1_JDBt1LSiImFCzG1QKxOTeZnzUG8uxj

[@soleiko4749]

Bagels are always great fun!

[@tilahzamliy1226]

Thanks man. you are professor.

[@albatrossguy]

Hi Paul, just came across your great video on TORSEN differentials.I own a Japanese built 1999 rav4 for the UK market with a factory fitted TORSEN diff. checking the numbers on the casing there is a cast no 1 in the place where your no2 is. on the rear cover the number matches your TORSEN diff no of 17SA 2-2 , this may or may not relate to it being a TORSEN. hope this goes towards clarifying things

[@jamesforler6897]

Idk if I'm remembering right. But I remember reading the Lexus is200 all of them used this rear diff. Worth looking into. As of July 29. West coast wrecking yards from Seattle to la, not one Torsen listed in any of the rav 4 vins. Cried a little.

[@63kaycee]

What numer or code is torsen on the vin? how many digits down left to right?

[@ckk100]

Appreciate the information. Is there anything we can do with the front diff? at the very least LSD with clutch, or Torsen, or even locker.

[@josefmcdonell4313]

Do you ever think you'll 3sgte Swap your RAV? Would love to see content on that swap

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

you could put a locker diff kit into your own diff ! super super TOUGH ! i went for a LSD true track 2way 4.44 - r160 , subaru

[@don_panic]

🤘beeeeeeegooooooolzzzz!1!!!! YEeeeeeee

[@hobizoli]

my stock LSD using 75W-140 gear oil the open diff version 75W-90

[@kirksmith347]

Great video, learned alot, eventhough i dont own a rav 4, I have a 4runner, but it was very informative. I used to use toyotapartsdeal until they screwed me over on a 3 dollar spring clip, they insisted the package is for one, which it wasnt true, anyways I thought id rant on them, because I refuse to buy from such a cheapskate company. I use BAM wholesale or McGeorge.

[@xboxice2005]

i have a NP Pajero we get a thump when doing on off throttle im wondering if this Polyurethane may help the massive movements in the rear diff, i can prevent the clunk if i preload the drive line with brake on and the clunk goes away for a little while but comes back, i hope all this makes sense :)

[@rpenn]

Thanks!

[@jaysmith3361]

22:28 heat up the copper washer, in the dark, until it just shows a very slight glow - it's now brand new.

[@davidkitsio3839]

Yup, copper work hardens from being compressed to seal up the area. Gotta anneal and can reuse it, probably only a couple times but maybe infinitely?

[@jaysmith3361]

@@davidkitsio3839 it gets thinner, when crushed, each time. good for 3 or 4 times, which is the life of a diff.

[@xboxice2005]

Also how is it now with the polyurethane filled bushings.

[@elleyzansyahelleslash4944]

Hello boss...if I use window screen gum for bush can or not...

[@robertmason8341]

That is one clean old Rav 4! Did you redo the entire car and paint all the suspension pieces those colors or did it come that way? Sorry if I missed where you might have explained it. I missed a portion of the video and didn’t rewind it. Anyway, nice car and work you’ve done, I like it 👍🏻

[@LabCoatPaul]

I had to restore all the suspension because the car was very rusty. You didn't miss it, that was a different video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWLKmmyepKije6ssi=TX1DRyWgB8l56-EM

[@Freedeeism]

What abt the gen2 automatic? I dont understand the difference? If i drice auto i dont need to switch do lsd? Past days i been snow wheeling mine amd damn its capale on rhe Low gear. Dont even need a plow to plow ^^

[@samjohnson4831]

hellooooo @labcoatpual. Any recommendations on after market roof racks, or would you suggest to stick with oem? Maybe potential future video making custom roof rack..... :)

[@LabCoatPaul]

I don't know anything about roof racks for the RAV4 unfortunately. A lot of people prefer the Toyota roof rack. If you find one at the junkyard, you can unbolt it by removing or cutting the headliner inside the car.

[@AndresGonzalez-qn2kv]

TIENES UN SEGUIDOR FIEL DESDE PARAGUAY!!

[@oby-1607]

I love how the car manufacturers can have a car lose traction and not move with one wheel in the air or maybe slippery conditions and they get to call the car All Wheel Drive as an advertising gimmick.

[@scrich2929]

Hey Paul, did the clunking sounds from your suspension go away after adding the insulators on the bottom?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Well... Sir Clunks-a-Lot doesn't give up that easily! I don't think the insulators on the springs did anything. I had a loose bolt on one of the trailing arms, so that was making most of my noise. Also, my front subframe is rusted out and the left front control arm clunks a lot. There will be another video about that.

[@merlepatterson]

A torque bias differential such as a Torsen isn't really a limited slip, it's what's known as a "constant torque" differential since there are no clutch packs and everything is mechanically geared together in the differential carrier nothing is allowed to slip given the fact that a worm can turn a gear, but a gear can't turn the worm.

[@BackyardMechCon]

Nice job 😊. Did anybody get the darude sandstorm tune from the torque wrench beeper? 😂

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes. Sandstorm by Darude is the pinnacle of human musical achievement. Mozart would have made that song if he had a computer.

[@Thatusernameisnotavailable.]

Is there a way to tell by vin if the car has an lsd?

[@uoncyberteam5699]

@Lab Coat Paul My first gen RAV4 is having the back differential clanking noise badly. I replaced the mount and the rear differential and it reduced to some extend. Are there any solutions to completely remove this?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Check for play in the CV axles and driveshaft. Twist parts back and forth while holding other parts. If you notice a lot of play, that could be your clunk. Also, filling the differential rear mount with urethane is a good idea.

[@tibi100d]

Hello! I have a rav4 2002 em. It is equipped with a Torsen differential. The oil seal in the left-hand drive needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, with Torsen, I don't see how to remove the ring that secures the stub, holle snap. Could you give me some advice? Thank you!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Budget Build Bureau rebuilt one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ2riJSuqb-LgKssi=p6qrpQR0LcVymQTx

[@andyc4670]

I just picked up a 135k 98 rav4 4D awd. Has flares, Rear Spoiler, cargo bags, sunroof, cd player, mag wheels and hopefully LSD! I have the 02A axle code and rear differential has 17SA 2-2. Guess next step is to find a shop to change the differential gear oil. If I truly do have LSD what gear oil and LSD additive did you use?

[@andyc4670]

Missed it totally that you didn't put a LSD additive. I see you used STP 75W-30 GL4 or GL5 gear oil. Did toyota originally use an LSD additive?

[@LabCoatPaul]

@@andyc4670 Nope. No additive needed. Additives are for clutches. The Torsen LSD only has gears. Have you checked your VIN on the Toyota vehicle specification site to see if it says you have the LSD? The best way to know is take the cover off.

[@andyc4670]

@@LabCoatPaul I tried checking the vin on the Toyota site but it didn't show up there. Hoping the site isn't totally accurate. Any chance you have a vin where it comes up? I was trying to look up several from junkyards that also showed the same axle code but none of them showed up either. I did email Toyota hoping they might have additional information. Looking at the history the Rav was originally in Colorado, where something like LSD would be useful. So hopefully I get lucky!

[@aristoyotacorner]

It seems that Toyota switched away from a T1-type Torsen to a T2-type in 1998. The T2 should be a lot stronger, the T1s can crack under heavy load. I don't know which one works "better" as a limited slip, I figure they should be close to the same. I'm still experimenting with other methods of locking, I may have even figured out a clutch type that will work. Now, what I really need to figure out his how to get a FRONT LSD :)

[@LabCoatPaul]

For the rear diff, there's the Chinese AER e-locker. It might even be as good as welded spider gears! :P

[@aristoyotacorner]

@@LabCoatPaul maybe even better than welded 🤣 clutch would be a solid compromise

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Where did you get the limited slip differential? I have a 1999 Toyota rav4 4wd automatic. Would like to do the same.

[@NickAlexander_is_Awesome]

The junkyard as he mentions in the video

[@Sciencegum5]

29:58 that thang twerkin

[@RK-ny9xk]

Do you have a video on diff lock??

[@LabCoatPaul]

I don't yet, but thanks for the suggestion!

[@montanahelp2169]

What brand of gear oil did you put in in? Did you put synthetic in it?

[@LabCoatPaul]

I used STP brand synthetic gear oil. 22:42

[@montanahelp2169]

Thanks

[@victorbarajas4705]

Maaaaan i needa upgrade my diffs. Do you know if there are actual lockers available for the rav4?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Yes. AER makes an electronic locker for the RAV4. auto-equation.com/products/rav4-highlander-diff-elocker

[@victorbarajas4705]

@@LabCoatPaul sweeeeet!!! Thank you!!!

[@mikem9953]

What year diffs will work in a 2008? Gen3

[@LabCoatPaul]

Only the 3rd gen differential will fit a 3rd gen as far as I know. It's a completely different car from the 1st and 2nd gen. 3rd generation RAV4 was 2006-2012.

[@rakboss7583]

U have any idea for rav4 99 from awd change to rwd

[@LabCoatPaul]

It's not possible. Also, why wouldn't you want AWD? The RAV4 has a transversely mounted engine with a front wheel drive transmission that has a transfer case bolted to it that sends power to the rear. RAV4 came in front wheel drive and all wheel drive options. Rear wheel drive cars typically have a longitudinally mounted engine with a rear wheel drive transmission.

[@63kaycee]

My last u-joint went out so until i was able to fix it right . I simply removed the whole second half of the drive shaft. Caution don't remove the front .trany oil will pour out. After the removal of the rear shaft it felt like i gained 50 horse power. You must engage the center diff to get the car to move.would spin the front tires for 20 feet and chirp going into 2nd. 0-50 was cut almost in half. It is a 5 speed by the way. @@LabCoatPaul

[@spinnetti]

Torsen requires a "reference torque", so has to have some traction to function as a LSD.

[@LabCoatPaul]

True.

[@user-jc8yx9xr4f]

This is not torsen, this is quaife-like differential or screw-like differential. In this type differential for transfer torque from freewheel to grounded wheel uses preload of washer spring. Over time, their stiffness decreases, the preload decreases and disappears completely. You need replace this washer-spring and differential will work correctly.

[@hayame1924]

I must have searched 100+ salvaged Rav4 on toyota owners website but have not seen any LSD listed... I close my eyes all I see is VIN numbers lol yes I am that desperate 🤣🤣

[@Nonexistanthuman]

I guess it will be something we will find within a few years or a decade of hunting lol

[@MegaDirtyberty]

What's a "Tee yota"?.

[@LabCoatPaul]

It's the one you drive to the golf course.

[@yolo_burrito]

Model bloat is real

[@Milfordbeach]

🥼🔧👍

[@b.snoodleman5864]

I must say the words "Rav 4" and "spinning the tires" and I "need more traction" don't really go together. It's like the words "Mother Teressa" and "k-y jelly" and "g-strig" really don't go together. Doesn't make any sense?

[@nikkilovetheyardsale-again2608]

I hope you understand that inside a differential there is differential fluid NOT OIL. If there is oil in there your just KILLING the innards. You HAVE TO HAVE differential fluid inside the differential. So if your putting oil and not even synthetic oil 🙄 in the differential its terrible. By the look of the total blackness of the "oil" that was inside that differential, it looks like cheap fossil fuel 😢

[@barthanes1]

I think you're running out of things to fix.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Don't worry, my RAV4 is still plenty shitty. At the moment, the suspension still has a loud clunk in the front. The lower control arm bushing is bolted to a rusted out subframe and clicks / clunks on every small bump. A small trip to the grocery store gives you about 250 clunks. I don't drive the car for that reason. It needs a new subframe.... and engine mounts.. There's something wrong with my front struts. One side is an inch higher than the other. It's either broken, or I have the wrong parts. I heard 2-door and 4-door RAV4 have different strut lengths. I got my struts from Autozone, so there's a 100% chance they did something funny. and it doesn't pass emissions. I installed the 1998 exhaust on my 1997. I have ONE catalytic converter but it came with TWO. I'm not going to change it back so I have to register it somewhere that doesn't test emissions. The driver's seat cushion is crumbling because the previous owner was fat. I need to find a seat with the same pattern (I have one of the rare patterns) Something about the Takata air bags shooting shrapnel into your face... I need to research that a bit more. There was a recall but I'm not sure if it includes the first gen RAV4. The driveshaft is extremely rusty. It works fine, but it's not a good look. It's pitted badly so I think I should replace it. (also hard to find since I have the 2-door) Transmission leaks fluid from the main seal. It needs to come out and the case must be split to install new silicone sealer. The clutch is an unknown age. I should probably replace it An engine swap would be pretty cool. The 2GR-FE from the 3rd gen RAV4 would be awesome. Stock 3S-FE: 120hp. Stock 2GR-FE: 269hp. I could upgrade the rear brakes and suspension. The 2nd gen rear subframe, trailing arms, and disc brakes bolt up. Some bigger rotors and calipers up front would be nice too, especially if I upgrade the engine. Oh and the paint is peeling from the hood and the roof. The black plastic is light gray instead of black I can keep fixing this car forever if I want.

[@barthanes1]

@@LabCoatPaul That is the most comprehensive replay I have ever received in my 10+ years of using KZbin. I had the dealership replace my Takata airbags, but I don't know if the time ran out on the recall yet. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling driving around with the shotgun pointed at your face. I drove my Honda, with Takata airbags, for about a year and a half before getting them replaced. Thanks for the reply, and I look forward to many more repair videos.

[@kx8960]

I have a 2010 V6 AWD, do you know of a limited slip that will fit that? Thx!