Hey guys, you might remember a few weeks back when I was attempting to swap out my 96 non-locking tranny for an '01 AE. Well I've since decided that it is too much of a hassle.

Yes the car has won. Through a combination of it being so darn rare and expensive coupled with the extra parts/labor needed to install it, I have decided to just replace what I have now for the same thing.

However, it occurred to me that I could get a 96 locking tranny as my replacement. My question is what do I have to change/buy to make it work with my current setup? My production date is 07/95. Is it the same as the '01 where you need to replace the axle shaft?

What exactly entails swapping a non-locking for a locking of the same year?

 

It's the same deal.

In fact the 01 AE tranny is the same thing as a locking tranny for a 95-99.

 

the striking rod is different on the 5th gen

 

Oops you're right.

That makes the 95-99 locking better (easier) than the 01 AE.

Of course I'm rebuilding them so I just swap in whatever striking rod makes sense.

 

All plug and play if you get a driver's side axle.

 

Thanks guys, your help is invaluable as always.

To end the matter I ended up getting a non-locking from "man-trans", if you've ever heard of them. The price was right($1000 completely remanufactured, shipped to me and my core back plus 12mo warranty) and the peace of mind that everything will fit without getting a new axle or anything else.

Also I have a second car to drive in the winter(97 Pathfinder, Minnesota) so from what I understand the benefits of a locking diff only help in bad weather, otherwise pavement performance should be the same, right?