My non-VLSD 4th gen tranny is definitely on it's way out. Same probs like many other ppl here have - whining/humming sound in gear and it leaks fluid from the input shaft like no other.

I might be able to get a deal on a VLSD manual tranny from an I30, so I'm wondering if these VLSD trannies are prone to failure as the non-VLSD trannies. Thanks.

 

I have a 95SE, 5-speed, with LSD. It is a Canadian model. Apparently they are less prone to the dreaded differential bearing failure. However, I do have a leaky left transmission seal that I should replace.

To date, the car shifts like new and I have had no strange noises whatsoever, albeit the car only has 61,350 mostly highway miles on it.

 

As cheap insurance, get the shims checked before you install the new tranny, that should help insure you won't have bearing problems down the road.

 

Yes they suffer from the same input and differential carrier bearing probs as the other trans.

My VLSD trans had the diff bearings replaced and my friend's VLSD trans needed the input shaft bearing replaced.

EDIT: My VLSD trans is a 5th gen VLSD trans however, just remembered you specified 4th gen VLSDs. MikeD's I30 trans that needed the input shaft bearing replaced is 4th gen however.