My clutch just started to slip at 14k miles, I have a 3rd gear grind at high rpm and I keep seeing the center diff failures posted on the forums so I just wanted to find out what the problem(s) might be.

As you have all seen the stock clutch just not up to the task, so I just need to replace it.

My 3rd gear grind is from a worn/bent 3-4 shift fork, (It’s done it since day one and I bought the car used) the fix is a new fork.

Now, I didn’t have the center diff fail, I just had the transmission apart so looked around, I found that the four spider gear axles that hold the spider gears have a hole for the lock pins and its way to large for the lock pin.. Take a look.

 

The problem with replacing the clutch with an aftermarket unit w/ a stronger pressure plate causes the master cylinder to go belly up. Are you going for a HD pressure plate?

Mitsu needs to start taking a look at these diff failures (and proactively issue a recall), when these cars start running out of tranny fluid (these pins wear the tranny case and you'll eventually get a hole) on the freeway and causes it to lock up - somebody will get hurt.

 

I'm installing a Spec Super Twin and I was told it has about the same pedal pressure as stock, also I'm going to install a tilton master clutch cylinder. I don’t like the stock plastic unit and never would install anything plastic for a high pressure hydraulic system. I think the AMS ring is just a band-aid to a very weak piece.

 

I dont think the center diff will lock up, and if it does, i think there is a safety feature that will disconnect the center diff - kinda like when you put the e-brake on, it is supposed to disengage the center diff.

I know 1st and 2nd gen DSM's had that problem.....

 

I may be wrong but this thing eats up the tranny case resulting in a hole. My assumption is that when the tranny runs out of fluid, all kinds of **** will happen.

 

What causes center diff to broke ? Excessive power, drifting, etc ?

 

From what I can see the spider gear axle lock pin hole is to large making it cut the locking pin and then it just falls out. If you look at the last photo you can see the spider axle pin is just chewing up the lock pin.

 

what was your mileage??

 

14k miles

 

So center differential will always break over time even if your car is stock ?

 

From what I can see, Yes at some point and time they will break.

 

well crap i'm there....

 

this problem really scares me from buying evo x...

 

Are you using Mitsubishi oil in the t-case?

Wonder if Amsoil would be a better fit?

 

1 documented problem will scare you from buying the car?