The Cal-look Lounge

Could anyone give me a some info on the above. I've got a used gearbox with a vw limited slip dif (ZF ?) and a new pro street gearbox coming with a super diif .

Would there be any advantage in installing the ZF in place of the super diff  ?

Thanks for the replys

As long as the ZF is in good order, there is no contest! Bruce Tweddle on here (or at cal-look.com) is the man to speak to about checking them out.

Ok so the zf is better, but why stronger, better for driving etc ?

sorry but dont know much about either  ::)

Swing axle or IRS?

Without considering what's inside, anyone should be able to see one BIG advantage a ZF has over a SD.  The ZF housing is steel, a SD is cast iron.  You wouldn't consider using a cast iron crankshaft, would you?

The function of a ZF is completely different .  Under low load, it acts just like a stock open diff.  Once you apply more power, it begins to lock up, acting more like a spool.

Its a swing axle zf.

So its steel and able to take more power. How do I tell if its usable, I bought it as a floor pan and gearbox last year and its been laid up since the mid 80's as the guy was going to build a beach buggy with the pan but never got round to it. 

What do I look for to see if its any good?

Open it up.

ZF's came standard in...?? ???

in the following code boxes

AD AE AP AR AU BC BF BD DD

I was told that ZF are fine up untill about 200 bhp. Then it is best to use a quaiffe if you have the cash or a super diff if you do not.

Would this be a fair assesment?

Thnx rocket ron.

Never had problems with my SD's even with harsh dragracing abuse ;D

But will dig into the topic and check those boxes out 8)

I will trade a new SD to a working ZF... anytime!  ;)

Nothing came standard with a ZF.  Optional only.

sorry for getting little OT,

but what is the best quality super diff available,that needs no modifications to the oiling holes?

Bugpack,Scat or any other brand?

Thank you

.....

Oh ok Bruce,i'll check where i can get a ZF then 8)

The other BIG Advantage:
NO one wheel burn-out`s with the ZF !

Sorry Bruce I was asking tips on what to look for once I get the ZF out of the old box. Are there any pointers you could give a novice like me on what to look for when i get it out of the box.

No, although I find it hard to believe a ZF was ever installed in an auto stick.  I have seen a DD Type 3 gearbox mit ZF.  My earlier short statement was that no particular model ever came stock with a ZF.  The ZF was strictly an option.  By far, the vast majority of ZFs were installed in Type 181s.  But that does not mean all Type 181s have a ZF, they don't.

Once you get it out and apart, you will know what's wrong with it.

There are 8 low profile socket head screws holding the whole diff together.  If you use a simple L shaped hex wrench, I guarantee you will destroy the bolts.  You must use a 3/8" drive 6mm bit.  Best is to drive it with a T-handle so the bit does not roll out of the socket. 
Before you attempt to unscrew the bolts, first take note of the large centerpunch mark the factory applied immediately adjecent to the counterbore that locks the head in place.  You must use a small chisel to undo the displaced metal.  If you don't, I guarantee you will destroy the bolts.

Everyone I have been in contact with who has attempted to undo the bolts without following the above has ruined the bolts.  Since I developed that procedure, I have not damaged any bolts.

When you get it out of the gearbox, read off the ZF part number and post it here.  That will tell me which version it is.  The ZF part number is 10 digits long, starting with 4061 001

thanks for that I'll try tomorrow as I've got a day off work ;D