I have a 1996 Max w/ the tranny on the way out - I was talking to qute96 on AIM and he said that the 4th gen and 2k trans are exactly the same and there is no point to upgrade, and that it wouldn't make any difference? I am going SC'd soon and I have heard that the 5th gen tranny is stronger. Can anyone vouch for this, or is there info anywhere to compare these 2?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I have heard the same that the 5th gens ones 00-01 are the same and are a little stronger. The only difference your going to have is probably the shifter location... its going to be a little different. I know Krismax put a 5th gen transmission in, you might want to ask him.

 

Hey Ant, thanks for the info. I was just wondering if this transmission has proven to be stronger, especially in Supercharged applications. Because if its the same tranny i might aswell just get mine rebuilt.

 

No prob, I know that some people said you have to change axles but if I'm not mistaken kris said he used his 4th gen axles just fine.

I think the synchros were stronger in the 5th gen transmissions.. but again its all speculation and things I've read on here... soo I'm not sure how reliable it is...

I'd PM krismax and ask... maybe he can help

 

yeah i will do that, i just dunno. I was talking to that QUTE96 guy and he was like you're going to blow your transmission regardless of how much boost, blah blah blah and he's got me real paranoid now...so i need to find a strong transmission because I really dont wanna drop 650 bucks and just have to do it again in a month...

 

They supposedly have a stronger 3rd gear (some 4th gens have broken 3rd with the ACT clutch, but 5th gens haven't). The reason I went with a 5th gen tranny is that they don't have the diffy bearing problem. The shifter sits farther back, but a B&M fixes that (or you can just get used to it).

You can use 4th gen axles (unless you go for limited slip). You can use the 4th or 5th gen speed sensor.

 

Now I know

Depends on the price they're giving you for a rebuilt one and what the guarantee is... most people blow out 3rd gear.. its what they use on the highway to downshift to... not that I would know.. stupid auto

 

hahaha Poor Auto's - well thats what I have read that the 3rd gear is stronger. I think I am gonna go with a 2k rather then 2k1 LSD only because I dont wanna deal with finding the driverside axle. I just wish i knew for SURE that it was stronger to justify tracking one down...

PS: I have a quote of like 1000 bucks to drop my trans rebuild and put it back in there.

 

Another problem with rebuilding is that they will likely shim the bearings incorrectly just like the factory did. Read motorvate for his horror story. It's happened to other's too.

 

It'll cost you more for the 5th gen transmission then, say a good 1k +/- $200 plus removal and installation, new clutch etc. Thats probably the route I'd take though.

 

you'd rebuild or get 2k trans? I can get a 2k trans shipped for 650, i'm gonna end up with ACT street/strip clutch and then the install is being done by a nissan mechanic who's a family friend, so hopefully he wont fu(k me on labor.

 

5th Gen trannies are easy to find, have low miles and are usually as cheap (sometimes cheaper) than comparable 4th gen trannies. I got my 2k1 for $750 (+$100 freight) with only 12k miles. Do the install yourself and your choice is clear...

 

I would get a 5th gen tran just to make sure that I won't end up with differential bearing problems again. I rebuilt my POS tranny and it starting to leak again....

 

ahh saweet, another reason to drop in a 5th gen tranny. How long would you say the install would be for the average guy with all the tools necessary and another guy to help him. Both of average mechanical ability?

 

i went the 01 tranny route and i got one with 4k on the odo... but my '01 tranny feels ten times better then my old 4th gen one. it feels better, shifts better, i wish all 4th gens came with it.

 

yea i found 5th gen tranny with 50k miles for 550 shipped. Feels real good, didnt know about that dif bearing problem going away but just another plus to get it.

 

chris what what i know about you and your dad, you could maybe do it in a day, but shoot for the weekend, just in case.

and i'm gona be there watching/drinking beer! keep that in mind.

 

I am going to get a 2001 5spd from a 20th anniv max (VLSD) and put it in my 95 pretty soon....I heard the 3rd gear and synchros stronger rumor as well from many people...so it might actually be true! can't wait to see the difference...with my custom maxima STS, my shifter sits way to far forward anyway, which will be perfect when the 5th gen tranny moves it back a little! I am only chaning it out cause the differential bearings are starting to go on my current tranny...this is the 2nd tranny that has happened on and I am fed up, plus I am going to S/C soon....

 

as for the axles.....I am planning on getting them from raxles.com....lifetime warranty and heard they are actually better than the nissan oem's......all the better to run higher boost!

 

Yeah I think that the 5th gen tranny is a no-brainer. I wil def. be installing one in the next couple of weekends. Thanks for all the good info, and I hope his is sticky'd soon! I've heard from KRISMAX that there is a road and track article that states 2nd,3rd,and 5th are stronger in the 5th gen, but I am still yet to see it. Thanks guys! Trans. this weekend and SC next whoo hoo!

 

This is some great information guys. I was on the verge of snagging a '96 VLSD with 43k until I found a 2K1 for $850.

About Raxle's, I have heard mixed things about them. Several have their products and break them anyway. Others have their products and they don't break but they aren't running high power.

 

Yeah this really is good info, if we could come up with some HARD proof of this I'm sure it would get sticky'd (HINT HINT HINT)

 

so in other words get the raxles? or pay a lot for the nissan oem ones??? which should I do...when I swap the trannies?

 

Where the hell are you guys finding these great trans, someone get me an AE with LSD and I will pay them for the work to ship it to me. Profit for you guys. HELP A FELLOW MAX BROTHA OUT.

 

Umm ok, I'll get you one

 

On the 95-96, the 2nd synchro is a double baulk ring type synchro.
97-2k1 1st and 2nd synchro are both a double baulk ring type synchro. I know the 2k1 has a stronger 3rd, not sure of the 2k. This is for the 5spds.

 

r-axle is good got my axles from them but im not running FI yet... but marti the owner is a nice guy and would def help you if you had any problems, he told me if mine ever breaks then jsut send it back and it would be replace free of charge

good tranny price go to car-parts.com jsut dont be buying from the northeast section so when i call up to order one they tell me its already sold to some guy puttign it in a 4th gen max