When I first got my firebird a couple months ago it seemed to have a lot better traction from a dead stop than it does now. As far as I can relate, the problem started right around the time I got a pinion seal replaced at a local repair shop (I couldn't get the bolt undone without air tools lol). I'm wondering if they might have put the wrong fluid in my differential and messed up my posi -- if I even had one to begin with. When I was putting it in the garage for winter I had one wheel on ice and one on pavement and the only one spinning was the one on ice, but when I got it all onto pavement, I did a quick burnout and both tires spun...

Basically my question is this: would putting the wrong gear oil in a LSD cause it to act like an open differential? Thanks.

 

if you did have a posi ( easiest way to check would be to pull the cover and look) when you change the fluid you need to put in the regular oil plus another fluid, i forget what it is called my mind went blank, but it is made for lsd's. it is an additive that goes into it. hope this helps.

 

"Limitted Slip Additive" is what its called.

 

Hmmm... I'm afraid to try and pull the cover off because those bolts are rusted as hell and my rpo codes and stuff aren't in the dash because one of the previous owners must've ripped them off. the axle code thats supposed to be stamped on is obviously rusted away too... eh, i bought a sandblaster so I'll blast away some rust and let it soak in penetrating oil for a while then maybe get an impact wrench on it hopefully i'll figure it out. what if i just dump some of that stuff in there though? could it hurt anything?

 

Most member recommend GM's additive.

JamesC

 

yeah thats it!!!! ha ha ha. man i was tired.

 

Just change the fluid.

Not make excuses for not doing it.

It's FLUID. Just like your motor oil: it wears out, and needs changed, and parts get destroyed if it isn't kept up with. It's a regularly required part of maintaining your car. Especially if you beat on it (as your post would indicate that you do). Just take care of it.

 

Thanks a lot you guys I'll get on it. Kinda bummed I can't drive it until the ice in my driveway melts though...