its a 98 I30 that I found at the junkyard. How can i tell if the tranny is LSD?

 

there is a tranny code on the transmission block also if the tranny is still in the car check the VIN

 

I have the vin. I called the Stealership and they said that the Vin doesn't tell the type of tranny Weren't all 98 i30's lsd?

 

those gus are a bunch of morons. Look at the tranny code on the firwall plate. I think if the forth or fifth character is a V, then it is a viscous LSD. If it is an A, then it is no viscous LSD.

i30tmiked knows for sure...

 

http://www.infinitihelp.com/vin.htm

seems the VIN does not have the LSD info built into it!

 

Ok stupid question ... what the hell is a lsd Transmission?

 

VLSD= Viscous Limited Slip Differential
LSD= Limited Slip Differential

 

It is a LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTAIL. That mean that both wheels can have power to them when slippage is detected. This helps with cornering, take offs, and acts as traction control for snow and rain. It is a very GOOD thing. It was standard on the t models.

The most common diff. on the I30 was the open end type, in which only one wheel at a time has direct power to it. The power of course does switch from wheel to wheel given the circumstances, but it is still only "one wheel drive"!

The real question is what the hell is the difference between a Viscous LSD (on I30t, and 350Z), or say a Helical LSD (optional on the 02-03 Maximas)?

 

You should be able to tell by looking at the splines where the axel goes into the tranny. I am only like 50% sure on this, but I think the VSLD tranny has stepped splines....I know they are different but I can't remeber exactly how they are different.

 

IIRC the viscous uses a fluid to transfer the power and helical is mechanical. The viscous being less efficient.

 

Fluid eh... hence the name "viscous". So why would the '03 Maxima get the better helical, and the '03 350Z get the less efficient viscous?