Browse › Tech ›Drivetrain

Lsd Swap

Started by Bob Loblaw · Jan 2, 2009 · 28postsSMF 2010–26

Bob LoblawJan 2, 2009, 8:18 pm · #1

Is this something I can do myself? Or do I need to take it somewhere to inspect clearances?
posted image

I assume I remove the 4 bolts shown here, and pull out the axles, then the nut (shown below)
posted image

Also, when I removed the diff, one of the axle covers popped off.
posted image

I assume I should just repack it with grease and insert the spring with the cup side first? It kinda shot out so I'm not 100% sure how it goes.
posted image

Also, should I replace that gasket? It looks alright, but I really don't want to do this again because I skimmed on a 3 dollar gasket.

rageJan 2, 2009, 10:15 pm · #2

you dont have to remove the big pinion nut, just remove the axles and the main 4 bolts. you'll probably need a impact gun to get the crown wheel (final gear) off. its highly recommended you check the backlash/runout/bearing sideload blah blah

as for the axle, throw some grease in there and bolt it back up, the 6 nuts/bolts should be enough to seal it.

Bob LoblawJan 3, 2009, 7:53 am · #3

rageits highly recommended you check the backlash/runout/bearing sideload blah blah

in other words... I have no business messing with this damned thing.

silverarrow27Jan 3, 2009, 10:40 am · #4

Actually from my knowledge, if the cover pops off the axle like that. It's done for. Happen to me twice on my s13s. Then again the s12 axle looks salvageable.

I've been told that it's easy to swap in lsd's into differentials. But I would be on the safe side and take it to a shop that knows what they're doing. Pay them the $100 to get it done right the first time around. Turn around time usually for a shop that knows what they're doing is an hour tops.

GopherJan 6, 2009, 4:43 pm · #5

if you have a fsm it will walk you through it enough to get it to a tire or 4x4 shop and they can finish adjusting easy

silverarrow27Jan 7, 2009, 1:44 am · #6

Gopherif you have a fsm it will walk you through it enough to get it to a tire or 4x4 shop and they can finish adjusting easy

I don't think I'd want to risk damaging any differential as it's a vital part of the drivetrain. If you're going to do it right, do it right the first time. Not half-ass it through and then take it to someone else to get it done.

Bob LoblawJan 22, 2009, 4:03 pm · #7

ok, I need help.

apparently the inner shaft isn't long enough, so the axles don't attach. Could it be the wrong diff? 200 dollars to get this diff in there and it's completely worthless? I think I'll sit down and cry for awhile.

tweaker_s12Jan 22, 2009, 6:58 pm · #8

this is a just a question, but coundnt you just bolted in the whole 300zx lsd (the whole thing, case and everthing) use the 300zx halfshafts and the s12 diff cover? wouldnt that have just worked?

Bob LoblawJan 22, 2009, 7:09 pm · #9

tweaker_s12this is a just a question, but coundnt you just bolted in the whole 300zx lsd (the whole thing, case and everthing) use the 300zx halfshafts and the s12 diff cover? wouldnt that have just worked?

it's not a 300zx, it's an s13 housing. the s13 axles bolt to the diff, the s12 axles bolt to the wheel hub or whatever. So unless the s13 axles bolt on the inside and outside, I'm screwed. Hasn't someone done this before?

maybe I need to remove the spindle (is that the name?) and swap the axles? They can't be the same length can they?

tweaker_s12Jan 22, 2009, 7:13 pm · #10

that would be something i would have a 4x4 shop do. i have hear poeple doing this and burning up the rearend, if not done right.

Bob LoblawJan 23, 2009, 3:41 am · #11

bump, recap:
s13 nismo lsd into r200 longnose. diff is swapped, but axles are too short to snap in.

Edit:
the only thing I've found that sounds like this is:
http://www.club-s12.org/forums/index.php?s...ost&p=45162

So, I buy s13 vlsd axles swap the outer shaft/spline, which model has the vlsd?

rageJan 23, 2009, 8:17 am · #12

if this is the nismo one that comes with its own halfshafts, that might be the problem, or unless like the thread you posted, you got a diff designed to go in a vlsd car

posted image

nismologistJan 23, 2009, 8:21 am · #13

the nismo one will work with an irs too??how much is that thing??

mod_mastazJan 23, 2009, 8:27 am · #14

OOO I hope the diff you bought was an S13 OPEN diff converted to clutch type or something. If it was originally an VLSD, I'd hate to say it, you're screwed. Throw some pictures of the S13 input shafts up and we can find out for sure. If they are unqeual then it was originally an S13 VSLD. If they are both equal length you are set.

Luckily though, with some money and GerryBG's knowledge, this can be fixed. This is only if you have the VLSD converted diff or are wanting to use the VLSD center.

posted image

rageJan 23, 2009, 8:38 am · #15

i wouldnt say he'd be screwed, just would need custom axles. 240sx inners/s12 outers

Bob LoblawJan 23, 2009, 11:22 pm · #16

S13 shafts:
posted image
S12 vs. s13 shafts:

my s12 shafts are not the same length. One s12 shaft is the same length as the s13's, but the retainer is not deep enough on the s12 axle.
Obviously I can get s13 axles and swap shaft at the boot, but there may be a simpler solution to what's going on?

Bob LoblawJan 24, 2009, 5:27 pm · #17

bump, what's going on here?

DougJan 24, 2009, 10:59 pm · #18

I put an s13 LSD into my diff casing with no issues, it was a tight fit getting the axles in but everything clipped in ok. Ill see if i can find the pics of the axle clip area to compare, i also have s13 axles laying around somewhere, ill see if i can help with some info or pics.

edit: i just did a quick google search and came up with this shot of a set of s13 axles. If you look closely you will see that the where the clip sits on the axle is the same as your s12 axle. I'm not sure what type of axles you have there but they may be from a different model s13 or something with the clip so close to the end. My s13 shafts in the garage look like this as well, same setup as the s12 in terms of clip placement. Ask the seller if he knows exactly what car the axles came off of.

http://www.driftshop.com.au/diff_files/nismo2way5.jpg

and another, the 240sx shaft is on the left:

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w129/r2...Picture-001.jpg

Bob LoblawJan 27, 2009, 3:28 am · #19

unfortunately the seller has little idea. I was told it was a quaife first, then he decided it was Nismo. I saw it removed from an rps13, I asked if it was intended for open and he said yes. Also he was "going back to" a welded diff, so I assumed it was originally open. Unfortunately I've already paid $200 dollars for this diff to be installed into the housing (rape) so I'm too deep to go back (story of my life). so are my s12 axles supposed to be the same length? I guess I'll go ahead and buy new s12 axles, junkyard s13 axles, and swap the outer boots. yay

ArroJan 27, 2009, 3:38 am · #20

Yeah that's the tricky part of LSD's in S12 rears.

cannan89Jan 27, 2009, 9:11 am · #21

Isn't there a plug n play LSD for s-12's? I thought I had run across some in this forum.... Here's a link Rage posted... click

From this thread more lsd

Bob LoblawJan 27, 2009, 3:43 pm · #22

cannan89Isn't there a plug n play LSD for s-12's? I thought I had run across some in this forum.... Here's a link Rage posted... click

From this thread more lsd

that was random

DougJan 27, 2009, 4:20 pm · #23

cannan89Isn't there a plug n play LSD for s-12's? I thought I had run across some in this forum.... Here's a link Rage posted... click

From this thread more lsd

Any lsd for an open diff 240 should be "plug and play" or as we call it, bolt in. Mine was a OBX helical and i had no issues. Bob, have you tried putting your s12 axles into one side of the diff with the diff core out of the pumpkin? i did this on both sides with my s12 axles first to make sure they fit.

cannan89Jan 27, 2009, 6:45 pm · #24

Bob Loblawthat was random

Yup, I drink a lot.

Bob LoblawMar 1, 2009, 3:50 am · #25

To be clear, s14 and s13 lsd's designed for open diffs are the same thing right? If someone has an open diff s14 with an installed a/m lsd, can we swap?

RedneckMay 26, 2009, 2:08 am · #26

Bob LoblawTo be clear, s14 and s13 lsd's designed for open diffs are the same thing right? If someone has an open diff s14 with an installed a/m lsd, can we swap?

As far as I know yes. Unless something was different between the open diffs on the s14 which I don't think there was. I guess Doug confirmed the fact the that stock open s13 diff's or aftermarket diff's designed for the s13 open will work in the s12. Which is awesome cause as he said we can use the s12 half shafts and its a bolt in affair. No custom work needed. I really think for the money the OBX helical (after inspection and re tightening if needed) is the way to go. Some people will say they are junk because it is an inferior OBX brand part but s13 guys have been running them for awhile with no problems and working great. This seller says it is only compatable with s13 opens and not s14's opens ( http://www.erzperformance.com/product_p/obxlsds13.htm ) but I have seen the same diff on other sites advertised as working for s14's opens too so who knows. You can always just get the one advertised for the s13 if you want to be safe. If you don't like helicals, as Doug was saying, there are always clsd's designed specifically for the s13 open diff so that should bolt in the s12 r200 as well.

rageMay 26, 2009, 6:41 am · #27

yeah, s14 and s13 diffs are the same, the pumpkins are just different. my friend has an s13 2way in his s14, no custom mods needed

Navy_Mech2Oct 5, 2009, 4:06 pm · #28

Clutch type vs. Helical type, any comments? Or has this been covered elseware.