Don't weld the AWD VCU - Page 6 - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

calibornn1979 · 09-25-2005, 07:38 AM

ok guys..i dont mean to sound like an idiot, but what is a VCU? Im about to buy a halfcut GTO and do a TTswap when i get back from afganistan. (yep in the army now) I would love to help someone out with the VCU if someone needs it but what is it and what does it do?

Bret Brinkmann · 10-02-2005, 08:53 AM

VCU stands for Viscous Coupling Unit. It is the componant in the center differential (which is located in the transaxle) that resist uneven torque distribution (like when the front wheels are trying to spin faster than the rear wheels) between the front and rear axles. Jeff's site, www.stealth316.com has excellent pictures of the inside of these transaxles and a good description of their operation although a bit heavy on math stuff for some members. Still check it out for more details and if you have any questions about it feel free to ask me any time.

Venom13132 · 03-02-2006, 08:13 AM

so im am getting ready to go to a vr4 tranny.... WHo has an old vcu i can use before i weld mine...

Bret Brinkmann · 03-05-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedFreakSteve

Glad that I found this thread.

This has been an unadvertised service that I've provided. I had a bunch of good VCU's and I've been doing an exchange program with them. I've been trading people's bad VCU's + cash for the good ones.

I still have 2 left and hope to get some more before I run out.

This is what Steve has been doing. I would recommend starting a post to see if any one wants to do the same with you. If not, then weld the planetaries to the carrier so they can't turn. It is a lot stronger, cheaper to replace, and you would have a good VCU to sell in the future.

Venom13132 · 03-05-2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bret Brinkmann

This is what Steve has been doing. I would recommend starting a post to see if any one wants to do the same with you. If not, then weld the planetaries to the carrier so they can't turn. It is a lot stronger, cheaper to replace, and you would have a good VCU to sell in the future.

so are you telling me that I can take the VCU out and weld the planetaries to the carrier so i dont need a vcu? that is if i cant find a bad one to weld..

Bret Brinkmann · 03-06-2006, 05:16 PM

You still need to have some thing in the VCUs place (like a popped VCU) but yes, you can weld the planetaries. In fact, that is what I welded in order to convert to RWD. Make a post to see if any one wants to swap with you for a little extra cash also. You can probably make about $50-100 on this deal if the VCU is in good condition. Make sure you let people know weather it is an 18 or 25 spline VCU because they are different. If no one posts back, then give Gatecracher and maddog a PM. I believe they do rebuilds and one of their customers may be interested in doing bussiness with you. I will also keep my eyes peeled for you as an opertunity like this doesn't seem to happen to often.

VR4 Henry · 03-06-2006, 05:54 PM

I have a blown VCU. PM me. Just make sure you sell the good one to someone on here

Venom13132 · 04-06-2006, 07:34 AM

ok need a blown 18 spline VCU asap!! otherwise mine gets welded on saturday

Jacaohnson · 08-02-2006, 08:23 AM

Hi guys new to forums, i dont know how old this thread is but i blew my vcu and would be interested in a rear wheel conversion or just a new one. any info on how i could contact some one would be great! thank you
Asa 25 spline btw 93 vr4 60k

Bret Brinkmann · 08-10-2006, 04:07 PM

Getrag 440/446 parts.

Here is a link the parts thread. Give either Kormex a call for a used but still perfectly good VCU or give AutoCraft a call for a brand new but more expencive one. Their contact info is on the first post of the thread. I believe that thread has a link the "Everything you need to know about your AWD drive train" thread/wiki also. Again just read the first post.

I would HIGHLY recommend against the RWD convertion. The 5 speed TCs will break very fast that way. (Read the "Everything you need to know about your AWD drive train" thread/wiki for the reason.) If you wanted to save money you could weld the VCU and the planetary gears and have a solid center diff. Doing so will give you more traction off the line when you increase your power.

09-25-2005, 07:38 AM	#51 (permalink)
calibornn1979 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Fort Bragg, N.C. Drives: 22,900 Mile 93' VR4 Trader Rating: (6)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU ok guys..i dont mean to sound like an idiot, but what is a VCU? Im about to buy a halfcut GTO and do a TTswap when i get back from afganistan. (yep in the army now) I would love to help someone out with the VCU if someone needs it but what is it and what does it do?

10-02-2005, 08:53 AM	#52 (permalink)
Bret Brinkmann Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Charlotte NC Drives: Rear wheels only... Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU VCU stands for Viscous Coupling Unit. It is the componant in the center differential (which is located in the transaxle) that resist uneven torque distribution (like when the front wheels are trying to spin faster than the rear wheels) between the front and rear axles. Jeff's site, www.stealth316.com has excellent pictures of the inside of these transaxles and a good description of their operation although a bit heavy on math stuff for some members. Still check it out for more details and if you have any questions about it feel free to ask me any time. __________________ When asked what the best thing to come out of Italy is, most Italians will tell you Ferrari.... But if you ask me it was Super Mario Brothers. 250 RWHP If you want the exploded views of both 5 and 6 speeds or pics e-mail me at SavagTiger@AOL.com. 94 VR-4 Panama Green Tan Interior RPS II, gutted cats, flipped BPV, 3SX control arms, 3SX shift bushings, Red Line, Auto-Meter. Rebuilt TC, transaxle, steering rack, heads, and turbos. 360cc's blue printened with in 1%. New short block. RWD convertion and welded rear end.

03-02-2006, 08:13 AM	#53 (permalink)
Venom13132 Venom Speed Shop Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Drives: 00Passat,95 FD,93R/T Trader Rating: (97)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU so im am getting ready to go to a vr4 tranny.... WHo has an old vcu i can use before i weld mine... __________________

03-06-2006, 05:16 PM	#56 (permalink)
Bret Brinkmann Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Charlotte NC Drives: Rear wheels only... Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU You still need to have some thing in the VCUs place (like a popped VCU) but yes, you can weld the planetaries. In fact, that is what I welded in order to convert to RWD. Make a post to see if any one wants to swap with you for a little extra cash also. You can probably make about $50-100 on this deal if the VCU is in good condition. Make sure you let people know weather it is an 18 or 25 spline VCU because they are different. If no one posts back, then give Gatecracher and maddog a PM. I believe they do rebuilds and one of their customers may be interested in doing bussiness with you. I will also keep my eyes peeled for you as an opertunity like this doesn't seem to happen to often.

03-06-2006, 05:54 PM	#57 (permalink)
VR4 Henry 25 Spline Snapper Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Virginia Drives: IS350 Trader Rating: (14)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU I have a blown VCU. PM me. Just make sure you sell the good one to someone on here __________________ '06 IS350 - Lux. Pkg \| ML/NAV \| '99 VR4 - 33k miles \| Sold 7/3/06 '91 VR4 -Modded \| Sold 1/06

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04-06-2006, 07:34 AM	#58 (permalink)
Venom13132 Venom Speed Shop Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Drives: 00Passat,95 FD,93R/T Trader Rating: (97)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU ok need a blown 18 spline VCU asap!! otherwise mine gets welded on saturday

08-02-2006, 08:23 AM	#59 (permalink)
Jacaohnson Gear Head Since 87' Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Coon rapids MN Drives: 93 VR4 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU Hi guys new to forums, i dont know how old this thread is but i blew my vcu and would be interested in a rear wheel conversion or just a new one. any info on how i could contact some one would be great! thank you Asa 25 spline btw 93 vr4 60k Last edited by Jacaohnson : 08-02-2006 at 08:25 AM. Reason: edit

08-10-2006, 04:07 PM	#60 (permalink)
Bret Brinkmann Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Charlotte NC Drives: Rear wheels only... Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Don't weld the AWD VCU Getrag 440/446 parts. Here is a link the parts thread. Give either Kormex a call for a used but still perfectly good VCU or give AutoCraft a call for a brand new but more expencive one. Their contact info is on the first post of the thread. I believe that thread has a link the "Everything you need to know about your AWD drive train" thread/wiki also. Again just read the first post. I would HIGHLY recommend against the RWD convertion. The 5 speed TCs will break very fast that way. (Read the "Everything you need to know about your AWD drive train" thread/wiki for the reason.) If you wanted to save money you could weld the VCU and the planetary gears and have a solid center diff. Doing so will give you more traction off the line when you increase your power.