Hi, I'm looking to change the CV half shaft assembly on my car and need some help deciding which one to get. I have a 5-speed '98 Maxima w/ABS and I'm looking to change both the driver side and passenger side as the boot for both have been torn for awhile. However, while looking at the options over at rockauto, I've noticed that there are some with and without lock differential. My question is how can I determine which one to get for my car? I'm changing my clutch now and figured this is the best time to replace them as the boots on them have been torn for some time. Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

If it's not a Canadian car, then most likely it's an open diff.

 

I'm in the US. By open, do you mean unlocked?

 

Yes, for the 4th gen, only the maxima's rich twin brother, more affectionately known as I30T, had the locking diff. Please pass the gray poupon

 

Check the shiny ID plate under the hood, on the firewall, kinda on the passenger side. There will a line that identifies the transmission, such as "RE4F04A" (normal diffy) or "RE4F04V" 95-99 or "RE4F04W" (2000-2001) for the limited-slip diffy. FYI, the passenger-side axles are identical for both. Only the driver's side axles are different.


EDIT: The 5spd manual transmissions should show as "RS5F50A" (normal) or "RS5F50V" for the VLSD diffy...


The driver's side axle has two sets of splines on the transmission end - the open diffy axle has one set of splines, in case you want to check what the parts shop sells you. NAPA sells good new axles with a lifetime warranty for a very reasonable price. Stay away from rebuilds, unless you really like changing axles monthly.

 

I bought these from Summit Racing ... free shipping.

A1-Cardone Select New

66-6147 (right) $71.97

66-6150 (left) $55.97

Limited Lifetime Warranty

 

Thanks for the parts info. I looked them up and before i place my order, I wanted to double check. Do you have the same specs as I do? That is, a '98 5-speed? Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. It's all been very helpful!

 

No ... I've got A/T, no ABS and no locking differential but in the A1 Cardone brand your P/Ns are are the same.

http://www.cardone.com/find-parts/ve...xima&year=1998