I'm about to do a 5spd conversion on my 96 maxima but when trying to find a tranny ive been asked the questioin: do i need a locking or non-locking differential transmission??? Yeah, so does it make a difference? I mean can I install either of them and have my car run fine? what's the scoop on all this?

 

Locking = LSD and Non-Locking = No LSD in the Tranny. The difference in them is that one has LSD and the other doesn't. LSD does make a difference, it distributes the power to both wheels instead of just mainly one. From what I know I don't think the trannies with stock lsd distributes the power evenly oppose to a quaife. If you can find a tranny with lsd then get it, you will need lsd half shaft for the driver side, and the passenger side can use a regular manual or auto half shaft. It might just be easier getting a non locking tranny.
Hope it helps....

Chris

 

The VLSD, helps in low traction situations and in cornering. Unless your car is putting down crazy power or your heavy into road racing, a stock open diff tranny will be sufficent.

 

lbarttelt: look into Phantom Grip LSD. You take a regular non-locking diff, and insert this component to make it function similiar to a LSD. Since you already have the tranny out, take advantage of this time to put in the stuff you want (i'm sure you're thinking of flywheel and clutch too, right?)

You also might need to look for appropriate axles.

Jae