DIY Network

Merkur XR4ti: Limited Slip Differential Andrew Totolos installs a limited slip differential on an American car with German roots — the turbo-charged Merkur XR4ti. From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-405

Andrew with the project car, a Merkur XR4ti.

In this Tricked Out project, host Andrew Totolos works on a fairly scarce and out-of-the ordinary car — a 1987 Merkur XR4ti.

On this already modified Merkur, under power the open differential in the rear end can cause one wheel to spin while the other looses torque. That cuts back on the car's ability to perform in competitive racing events — and it won't leave double stripes on the pavement when the owner indulges in a smoky burnout.

In this project, we beef up the rear end with a limited slip differential. The LSD unit will transfer torque from the spinning wheel to the one with grip, so when the ownder throws down a burn out it'll be the two wheel variety. And better yet, he can take the Merkur to the drag strip where it'll lay down some impressive power off the line.

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Heavy-duty axles

Materials and tools for all modifications in this project:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), the essential tools required for this project are listed below.

limited slip differential
set of heavy-duty axles
catch container
silicone sealant
transmission fluid formulated for limited slip differential
transmission jack
pieces of scrap wood
speed wrench
rubber mallet
angle steel
drift punch
shop press
permanent marker
carbide burr with grinding bit and sanding drum
air gun
axle grease

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit or replacement part that you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Make sure that the jack and stands that you use are rated for the weight and type of your vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle or working with caustic or dangerous chemicals.

	The Merkur XR4ti was Ford's short-lived experiment in blending American and German auto-engineering.
	The owner prepares to test the Merkur's improved performance at the track.

A German/American Hybrid

During the '80s, the Merkur was built by ford-Lincoln-Mercury — in Germany — and possessed some of the attributes of an American muscle car, like the Mustangs of that era, and some of German-engineered cars.

This is not the standard tuner seen on Tricked Out, but the German built Merkur is sporty, muscular, and compact. It's also turbo-charged, and it has one thing that most of our typical tuners don't — rear wheel drive. When it's prepped out, the Merkur can be a really fun car to compete with in drag, autocross or drift events.

The Project Car: 1987 Ford Merkur

Outside, this Merkur sports a custom red paint job, a rare Cosworth body kit and H.I.D. lighting up front. It 's lowered springs keep the stance tight on 17-inch rollers.

Inside, a full custom suede interior pampers occupants, while a set of sport seats keep the driver planted firmly behind the wheel,

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine is pepped up with a huge front-mount intercooler. An aftermarket fan and radiator upgrade holds the "German Ford" power plant at reasonable temperatures.

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