Hi gang:

I've always wondered if there were two different manual transmissions offered in the 95 Maxima SE. My FSM on page MA-8 indicates a RS5F50V and a RS5F50A as the type of transaxle. I checked my plate in the engine compartment and next to transaxle it says RS5F50A.

By the way, is "transaxle" the same as "transmission"?

 

Transaxle is the proper term for a front wheel drive transmission, as it houses the transmission and differential.

V and A indicate lsd and non lsd.

The VIN plate on the firewall includes the Transmission code.
RS5F5OA=5MT open
RE4FO4A=AT open
RS5F5OV=5MT VLSD
RE4FO4V=AT VLSD

You have a 5speed open diff transaxle.

 

the V was never offered in the US maxima. it was offered in the canadian maxima and the US 96 I30 (might have been available in 97 I30 also, can't remember).

 

I believe it was offered up til 99 in the I30t. I personally swapped a VLSD tranny out of my 98 I30t into my Maxima earlier this year.

 

I wish one or more of our Canadian members would advertise wrecking yard VLSD 5 speeds for export.

 

Thanks guys; but what is "non lsd" stand for on the "A" version?

 

Canadian Maximas and some Infinity I30s came with a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) or POSI, as the old school muscle car guys call them. A VLSD applies equal torque to both wheels aiding in traction. The ID number for the VLSD transmissions end in a V denoting (V)LSD. A denotes (A) dogleg, one wheel peel, open differential that sends 100% torque to the wheel with the least traction .

 

...those particular I30s being the I30t that came with VLSD, auto or manual.