How to Check if My MR2 Has an LSD?

General Discussions and Questions
1

I need to order a replacement driveshaft for my MR2 but was told the only way to confirm if it has an LSD is by removing the current driveshaft and checking inside the gearbox. Is there an easier way to figure this out without taking anything apart? Thanks in advance.

2

You can jack the car up, put it in first gear, and spin one wheel. If both wheels spin the same way, you have an LSD. If they spin opposite, it’s an open diff.

3

Page said:
You can jack the car up, put it in first gear, and spin one wheel. If both wheels spin the same way, you have an LSD. If they spin opposite, it’s an open diff.

Thanks. Tried this, and the wheels spin in opposite directions. However, someone mentioned that with a bias bar, it might still happen even with an LSD. Is that true?

4

Page said:
You can jack the car up, put it in first gear, and spin one wheel. If both wheels spin the same way, you have an LSD. If they spin opposite, it’s an open diff.

Yes, with a stock MR2 LSD (viscous type), it can act like an open diff in certain tests. You’ll need to check the transmission code to be sure.

5

If you don’t have a jack, try this: drive in a tight circle on gravel and floor it. If the inside wheel spins freely, no LSD. If both wheels spin evenly, you have one.

6

Vern said:
If you don’t have a jack, try this: drive in a tight circle on gravel and floor it. If the inside wheel spins freely, no LSD. If both wheels spin evenly, you have one.

That method is more fun, but it’s not as precise as checking the vehicle’s transmission code under the bonnet.

7

For US models, Turbos had LSDs standard from late 1992. Earlier models had it as an option. Check the vehicle identification plate under the front bonnet. The transmission code will tell you.

8

Zan said:
For US models, Turbos had LSDs standard from late 1992. Earlier models had it as an option. Check the vehicle identification plate under the front bonnet. The transmission code will tell you.

Unfortunately, my car is a custom build, so the VIN won’t help much. Thanks for the info, though.

9

Zan said:
For US models, Turbos had LSDs standard from late 1992. Earlier models had it as an option. Check the vehicle identification plate under the front bonnet. The transmission code will tell you.

If you can find the transmission code, look for numbers like ‘3’ or ‘5’ before ‘E153.’ That confirms an LSD. Without the code, you’re left with testing methods.

10

The stock MR2 LSD is viscous, not a locked diff. It won’t behave like a positraction diff in tests where you spin the wheels manually.

11

Taj said:
The stock MR2 LSD is viscous, not a locked diff. It won’t behave like a positraction diff in tests where you spin the wheels manually.

That clears up a lot. So the jack test might not work for this type of LSD. Thanks for explaining!