I just went to install my Driveshaft and realized the Centering Pin is missing from my brand new Getrag CTS-V diff.



Missing Centering Pin (Sorry for the gigantic picture. I couldn't figure out how to shrink it down)
It looks like it was cut or ground off at the factory. Has anyone ever seen this? Is it safe for me to use this diff?
Thanks

 

pic size is fine with me.

Looking up a pic of a standard diff on ebay, and that pin is normally a couple inches long it seems. I wonder if it was removed for fitment reasons with a non-standard driveshaft, or maybe it was damaged. In which case, you have to wonder what other mods were done? edit: But you did say it was new, so I'd hope the diff is OK.

My guess is that it's just to center the flange for balancing reasons, and the bolts would handle the torque transfer from the driveshaft to the diff.

 

Flyin' Miata has never seen a Getrag diff without the alignment pin. Now starts the warranty process with GMPartsGiant.com. Hopefully they will warranty their product and I won't be out $1600!

 

I'd be looking at a Ford 8.8 at that price. I had a used Getrag for awhile when I was collecting parts for the swap, but its durability raised some questions in my mind. I think I bought and sold mine for around $300.

For same price I found an aluminum IRS 8.8 out of a Ford Cobra which I'm currently running. Unless your axle/hub options are cheaper with the Getrag. Been awhile since I priced those out.

 

Only down side to the 8.8 that I know is if you are running the Flying Miata exhaust because it is clearanced for the Getrag.
If you are doing something different for an exhaust the 8.8 is physically a bit larger from what I understand.
It can be a problem to get enough real estate for exhaust pipes with the 8.8 but people seem to figure a way around it.

 

The diff I'm using was from a STS-V and came without the center pin. It also had a different pinion flange that I had to swap. I may have a bit of driveshaft vibration at high speed, but I haven't noticed anything else.

 

Thanks druz. Did you have to do any shimming when you changed the pinion flange?

 

No shims, i just bolted it on.