I just installed a Phantom Grip in a spare transmission I had on the shelf. I had been having traction issues that were preventing me from getting a clean pass at the drag strip ever since installing my turbo. A friend and owner of a local performance shop told me he had installed one of these with positive results. So here's the install on my 5-speed. The tranny will be in my car soon, but until then I won't know for sure how effective this LSD really is.

Trans case open to remove the diff:

The stock diff next to the Phantom Grip:

Spider gears removed for machining. I had my friend turn the faces on his lathe to get the recommended clearances and provide a better mating surface.

the re-faced spider gear:
Phantom Grip installed in the differential:
Retainer brackets get removed allowing the phantom grip to expand and exert pressure on the spider gears:
and finally, the diff reinstalled in the trans:
the transmission is now back together, cleaned, wire brushed, awaiting paint and installation.

 

How much is this? I can always find a busted auto maxima for cheap and throw my old 5mt on...

//edit what model did you get? or is it just one model? I found a local dealer

 

It was the 903 Gold. This was the ebay auction i got it from:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT

 

Ahhh, ok... We'll see what happens in a few months on my end.

 

Yeah, I'll update this thread after I have a chance to test this thing. Probably would be best to see how well it works for me before spending your time and money.

 

In for results!! I need LSD...

 

Definitly looking forward to seeing results.

 

Quick question, on the link you provided, it says it fits 98+ Maximas, and on Phantom Grip's website it says it supports 85-96 Maximas. Any idea why? Aside from the 1st gear synchro difference between 95-96 & 97-99, I thought the trannys and diffs were essentially the same.

 

I'm pretty sure the diffs are the same. not sure why they advertised it that way. I would think it fit at least 95-01.
Quick question for you. That change you mentioned with syncro. Was it an improvement that would make the later version a better choice for my next trans? This will be my 4th trans since I've had the car.

 

Our applications will be almost completely different though.

Mine would be a bolt-on low power application, not a boosted high power one like yours, i mean if it works it works... but how well it would work can be affected by the power...

But like I said earlier, it'd be a few months before I take on something like this.

Hrmm, after looking at the picture some more.... Could work for 6mts....

 

If it works for me, it should work for you. My 60ft. times should tell the tale.

 

Is this an option for auto's or only 5-sp?

 

Glad someone is doing this. Was always curious about it.

 

Correct me if im wrong, but I thought these suckers ATE UP tranny's. Lemme do some searching...


edit:

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...hlight=phantom

Be careful.

 

Trans is cleaned, painted, and ready to go in.

 

I've seen that thread, but It didn't really steer me one way or the other. It may wear the spider gears, but the part that it contacts would not effect the operation of the diff. My trans will most likely meet its death due to excessive torque long before the Phantom grip puts significant wear on the spider gears. For those of us who don't change our transmissions every year, you may wear out the shims on the back side of the spider gears due to the increased spring pressure from the Phantom Grip.

 

Couldn't wait for spring to do this project, so i dug the car out a little early and drove it to the shop. Hopefully I can get this done this week. We have a couple other things to wrap up in the shop before i can start.

 

subscribing. any news?

 

No news yet. I'm in the middle of several projects right now, but the trans is gonna be my priority next week, so stay tuned.

 

If I send you a diff would you be willing to install another one

 

OBX makes inexpensive limited slip differentials, I'm curious if there is a Maxima application?

 

Good luck with that, but you did make some adjustment maybe this guy didn't???????

http://www.turbododge.com/forums/f4/...questions.html

 

I would, but the lathe isn't mine and i don't wanna keep wearing out my friends bits.

 

I'm working on pulling the tranny this afternoon. Hopefully I'll have some results soon. I have a feeling the flywheel may need resurfacing or replacing. there was a lot of metal on the crank sensor magnet when i pulled it out. If the teeth are worn out on the starter ring i will have to replace it because its a one piece chromoly.

Also, I've been having some problems lately with the engine throwing a cam sensor code and a crank sensor code. Cam and crank sensor circuit, to be exact. I replaced both sensors with no luck. Its been causing the car to run too rich and very hard to start. The compression test came up with 150psi all around so im assuming the cam timing is intact. I also checked all the coils, replaced the MAF, and the replaced the TPS. I'm hoping to find a problem with the timing ring on the flywheel when i pull the trans. Any ideas?

 

Bad ECT = hard start + rich running.

 

I had a scan tool on it that displays engine sensor data and the temp seemed accurate as the car warmed up. I'm at the shop now working on it. I figured I'd have a look at the timing ring while the trans is out. I just wanna feel sure the engine is ok before I put the car back together because I have a spare engine I could install now. Its gotta be something simple. I just can't figure out what.

 

Check and clean your engine grounds!!!!!

 

I have extra grounds and everything is very clean. I did find that the timing ring is not lined up with the crank sonsor very well. Probably gonna just swap the whole flywheel because its got a lot of hard miles on it.

 

do you guys know what axles you need when going from an 05 altima 6spd tranny to a 05 maxima 6speed with LSD?? Thanks

 

Wrong thread, but they're all the same.

 

I've never installed a phantom grip, but I've installed Quaifes and OBX's. I would never install an OBX in my car (build quality) or a phantom grip (questionable reliability regardless of build quality). Considering that a broken diff tends to release pieces of metal that puncture holes in the transmission and crunch off gear teeth. But that's just me, I'd rather have a drivetrain I can trust.

 

That's your opinion and you are entitled to it. As for the rest of us, we've subscribed to this thread to determine the following from one of our very own org members.
-installation details
-does it work as advertised
-effects on drivability
-long term reliability
-is it worth it
Everyone here has heard people’s opinions. "They suck, yours spider gears will go, your trans will blow, ". Considering that most of what I personally have heard seems to be more opinion than firsthand knowledge, it means very little to me, and most likely those who subscribed, and obviously to the original poster who has taken on this project despite all the hear-say. Let's please stay on topic and keep opinions to ourselves or start your own thread on the subject.

 

I hear what you're saying, but I usually replace my Transmission's and clutches at least once a year anyway. The non LSD transmissions that I have lying around are pretty much useless to me anyway and very cheap(My last two I got for free). When the tranny does go, which will hopefully be in the fall, I'll pull it apart and take some pictures of the wear on the diff.

Anyway, the car is back together now. I'm planning on going up to the shop tonight to lay some rubber down in the parking lot. Hopefully I'll see two nice even strips now.

 

I have another 5mt project you could be interested in, you've been Pm'd

 

Edited my post. Sorry for the hijack.

When it comes to phantom grip like LSDs. They work when you first put them in, but ive seen some that stop working after a few months. I had one in my Talon and it causes a spider gear to crack and break. Ended up blowing a hole thru my transmission.

 

Ok, so I had a chance to drive it today and it seems to be working well. Both tires spin when I burn out and torque steer is virtually gone. It felt really good pulling me out of the corners on the wet roads today. It will be interesting to see what kind of 60ft. times I get this year compared to last year.

 

awesome! glad to hear it's finally on the road. let us know how the track goes.

 

That's pretty impressive. It's a simple device; I wonder why it isn't a more common upgrade.

 

because so many people that haven't tried it call it a p.o.s. and the masses are afraid of venuring away from public opinion. one thing i heard a long time ago and i've found to be true over the years is that "The Masses are A*ses". thank you to your recent contribution to the org Bryan163. you are a true pioneer

 

Thanks guys, hopefully it holds up. Here's some pics of the parking lot after spinning the tires.