I just spent too much time looking for info on differentials on this site.

I am trying to gain some info on VLSD and LSD and how to install them.

Also, does anyone know where the thread is that tells us how to determine what kind of diff. we have?

If I recall correctly, RS5F50A = Open diff.

RS5F50V = LSD.

?

 

Yeah, the "V" at the end of the tranny code designates a VLSD.

Since the diff is pretty much integrated into our tranny (FWD transversely mounted engine), usually in order to install a VLSD you just acquire an I30t VLSD transmission and swap them out.

 

For what it's worth: go to "http://car-part.com/" , search for 1999-1995 Maxima or Infiniti manual transmissions, pick locking differential, pick entire US, and some will show up in the search with the part number shown. The 2001 AE ( Anniversery Edition) manual will also have a compatible manual transmission with VLSD.

On 4th gen autos, it's RE4F04A for open differential, and RE4F04V for VLSD. I know this - I've bought a VLSD and installed it. Driver's side axle is different also.

I dont remember the 5-spd numbers, but the same axle warning applies.

Good luck... maybe this will help.

 

The VLSD case is bigger.

 

thanks guys. what about the HLSD - helio... ? is that worth a try?

 

Not to high jack this thread, but before i got my car the tranny was swapped out, how can i check to see if it is still a VLSD or not. Also what is the difference in the drive shafts.

 

Helical LSD, an option on 6-speed manual 2002-2003 Maximas. Don't bother, it's not a straight bolt on. If you're thinking about swapping to the HLSD, consider the Quaife LSD. There's a Quaife LSD thread in the group deals forum. They're going for a final production run. I'm not sure if deposits can still be made, but you might be able to get in on it if you hurry.

 

driver's side shaft is different.

you can also jack up front of the car and leave it in neutral. spin one wheel and if the other spins in the same direction, its a VLSD.

correct me if i'm wrong, but thats what i have learned from browsing the posts.

 

not to hijack, but how much power do you think the hlsd can take... (sorry for the newb question, but my search button is disabled!)

 

Yeah, if you suspect your tranny/diff isn't original, that's how to check. Although if you know what you're looking for you can tell by the appearance of the tranny/driver axle.

Dave

 

The differential itself can take whatever you throw at it (except maybe wheelhop). You're going to break gears before you break the helical limited slip diff.

 

Hi guys.

Does anyone have some pics of driver-side shaft from VLSD trans and open-diff trans. Just to compare and feel difference )

 

I don't have the pictures you asked for but I did experience the difference first-hand.
The LSD shaft is about an inch longer than the open diff shaft.
Apparently, before I bought my Max, someone had mistakenly put one in. The extra inch causes the shaft to run into a planetary gear shaft that's visible when you take the shaft out (auto).
Bought what I thought was the right shaft but when I compared it to what came out it was different (LSD shaft) so I hunted down the LSD shaft and put it in without noticing that the dirt shield was so far off the tranny. It was also just plain difficult to install because of the extra length.
Anyway, next day or so I looked more closely and realized something was wrong and returned the LSD shaft and got back the open shaft.
BTW, I suspect that having the wrong shaft installed took out my drivers side wheel bearing which I had just replaced! Clearly the old bearing had been taken out by the previous owner putting in the wrong shaft in the first place.

 

VLSD is the top one, open diff is the bottom one.

 

Thank You Very much!!!

That's exactly what I need))

 

My 96 auto doesn't seem to have a tag on it. Is there anywhere else I can find out if my tranny is LSD or open?

Ha nm sorry found it on the firewall tag

 

Sorry for jacking this thread but I can't start my own.
Can some one tell me what differential I have.

 

That's a stock open I think...let me check mine out ya stock 5sp manual. Correct me if I'm wrong here.

 

yep. thats an open diff alright. Now go weld the spider gears to the carrier!