how do you know you have a limited diff

thanks all, I will try this and report back,

A weak LSD will allow you to turn the wheel with that test and give a misleading result suggesting it is an open diff. The limited slip will still work underway (most of the clamping is provided by input torque ramping the clutch packs tight together).

The best test is to jack under the diff to lift both rear wheels off the ground. Then in neutral with the handbrake off turn one wheel and see if the other one turns the same way (LSD) or opposite way (open diff).

Pete

Since you are putting it back together open the fill plug on the diff. If you see objects close to the hole it is limited slip--if not normal. Also if there is a tag on the diff cover bolts that has a PL it means power lock--unless someone has put the tag there for fun. If you are putting the car back together have you not changed the seals and gaskets for the final drive? I sure would at this time!

Hi Mark,

The easiest way is to chock the wheels, take the car out of gear, release the handbrake, jack up one rear wheel and try to turn it. If it turns you do not have a limited slip differential.