When installing an LSD, what EXACTLY EXACTLY needs to be done?

(I don't have a helms right now, but I think this thread can contribute to others replacing an LSD)

1. I need to know what "setting the preload" is.
2. What exactly are the shims for?
3. What is the difference between the tapered bearings and the roller type bearings.
4. Do you need to preload every LSD on a B-series tranny, or just when using the tapered bearings?
5. What tool is used to preload with?
6. What other tools are needed to replace an LSD with a stock unit or aftermarket?

This stuff would help greatly if it would be explained in detail.

This link is just not doing it for me: http://tech.hybridgarage.com/tech/lsd/index.html

It says:

"The B16A and B18A/B transmissions all use regular ball bearings (80mm x 40mm x 18mm).There is no preload involved in ball bearings so installation would only require the clearances to be adjusted by shims."

Is that absolutely 100% positively true? I've talked to a certified honda mechanic (who owns his own independent honda service shop) and he says it needs to be preloaded. I don't always believe what people tell me, especially since mechanics do not know everything in the book like people think..

Please contribute to this if you have replaced an LSD with a stock unit or aftermarket unit. Pics are

I will be replacing my stock ITR LSD with another stock ITR LSD because I broke it.

 

I don't know much about LSD's but I know bearings.

Roller bearings are two-piece bearings constisting of a roller assembly and a hardened outer raceway. Unlike ball bearings you'd find in the wheel bearings, they are long... rollers, just like what your mom uses to flatten the pizza crust or whatever.

Tapered bearings are roller bearings assembled in a different fashion. They consist of a cup you press fit into the part in question, here it would be the LSD, and a cone and roller combination that fits right into the cup assembly The rollers are tilted inside so they will react to thrust and radial loads (they'll take more beating if you ask me). They're much better for towing, high revs and high torque applications.

Hope it may help,
Jeff

 

Grrrr, I get really bugged when people want to do some very technical operation to their car... without a Helm's manual. There is no excuse. Expecting to be spoon fed exact instructions by people who are, in essense, typing exactly what the Helm's manual says anyway is really lame.

Go buy a friggin' manual!

 

You think I'd do this without a manual? lol I'm gonna borrow one from someone before I attempt this.

 

Okay, okay, deep breaths.... okay I'm fine now...