Well, after my transmission died (every bearing; ~6/03), getting them replaced (~7/03), and having it die again (melted; massive spontaneous leak; 9/03), I have finally tracked down an LSD tranny and managed to get it. (BTW...car-part.com has 2 more...$600/73k and $850/104k)

This tranny has 104k on it, and it came out of a '97 Maxima. I'm told that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. The question: Should I open it up, or just throw it in?

It comes with a 6mo. replacement warranty if anything goes wrong...dunno what opening it will do to that. I was thinking of replacing the bearings and just looking things over, but a part of me wants to simply throw it in and wait until I have trouble with it to tear it down.

What do you all think?

An another note, I'm gonna need a new driver's side axle (I think that's the one that's different). Has anyone used the axles from Autozone? If they're crap, I'll just go to raxles.com.

 

use raxles, that's what i got. you also need new axle seals, if you didn't know

you could crack the case, but make sure they won't void your warrenty if you do. i was told if i cracked mine to check it out, my warrenty would be voided - even if i found something wrong.

pop that sucker in and have fun!

 

I need new axle seals? I know it's a wise idea to replace them (~$10 a piece), but they may be good/new. I won't know until I get the tranny. As for the old one, that's scrap metal

Speaking of which, anyone know the Nissan part number for axle seals for a 1997 Max w/5spd LSD?

 

I would have it opened and inspected/cleaned. Even if its mechanically working, what if theres a handful of sand in there? you never know unless you open it

 

You will need a passenger side axle from an LSD tranny... I think the driver side is okay... unless you want to replace both just to have new axles on both sides.

As far as ripping it open to check it out, that's a tough one unless you are able to do it yourself. The labour that you'd pay a shop to do it would not make it worth it. As you mentioned, it is also a good idea to check and make sure that you 6mo warranty will not be voided by doing so.

 

Huh, I thought it was the drivers side LSD shaft that needed to be replaced - not the passenger side.

 

i belive both axles need ot be changed for this, been a whiel since i researched because i got a brand new 5 spd instead cause my dad offered to pay for it. but why a vlsd? dont ask me i was thinking like nobb..lol


-rafal

 

about $450 for the dealer to open,inspect,clean,replace seals and put back together. That is if you hand them the tranny already off the car.

 

Thanks for the response, everyone.

So...which is it? Does my memory serve correctly (driver's side)?

And does anyone have experience with Autozone axles?

 

It is the driver's side axle that you need to worry about. If your passenger side axle is in good condition don't worry about it. Do you have ABS? That also makes a difference.

Haven't used Autozone axles before...
I've had experience with RAXLES; good product, but kinda expensive if you ask me. Check out Taylor Automotive for more resonable prices on reman axles. Plus they have free shipping.

And yes, go ahead and replace that axle seal.