Hey guys! I got an 04 maxima se 3.5 with a 6 speed manual and I am having some issues with the tranny. I am looking into swapping it out but can't find a tranny for it other than paying 2 to 3 g's for a new one. I've seen that the sentra se-r spec v transmission is very similar and a bit more accessible but not sure of the compatibility with mine. If anyone has done this before or has any knowledge that could help I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance guys!

 

car-part.com will connect you with salvage yards that have the trans you're looking for. The QR25 6 speed is usable, but the bellhousing will need to be swapped over from that of a VQ trans.

 

Sorry if it's a dumb question but when you say VQ trans you mean to install my bell housing on the QR25 trans? Or you're talking about a different tranny bell housing? Again sorry!

 

That is correct. They share the same structure, but the QR and VQ have different bolt patterns; which is where the bell housing swap comes in.

When you're looking for a trans, 05/06 model years are equipped with the best synchros.

 

Ok, thanks! So look for QR for from 05/06 would be better than getting the same tranny? Cause from the link you shared above (thanks) I was able to find a couple of the same tranny for my 04 but for a higher price, and the QR seem to be cheaper in better condition with less mileage. And also do you recommend any new clutch kit and flywheel combinations since I'm doing this or get new luk and keep it OE. Sorry if too many questions, I just getting into this because my current tranny is leaking from input shaft seal, it rattling a lot and obviously slipping from the clutch getting soaked in tanny oil. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks again!

 

My personal preference is to open up as few things as possible, so the best route is sticking with a vq trans that doesnt need to be opened. When changing bellhousings you'll need to check gaps/clearances etc, easy to fall down the rabbit hole. And if youre paying someone to do it for you, the total cost can easily exceed that of the "more expensive maxima trans".

Stick with OEM unless youre putting down mega power, but avoid their 'key value' brand.

Any 05/06 trans will have the better synchros, but its not the end of the world if you find an 04 trans. I would stay away from 02/03 as they are notorious for 3rd gear crunch.

 

Bro thanks a lot for the advice, I am doing it myself so I am looking for the less amount of work as possible. So I'll look for a good VQ with low mileage and as good as posible. One last question! I've read on another forum that US Maximas are all non locking differential and not limited slip differential. Is this true? Or is there a way to really find out what I got? Or it doesnt matter what I get? Thanks in advance and again sorry for all the questions!

 

No, US maxima did come with an available HLSD locking differential. Look at the VIN plate for your car, usually they are in the engine bay. For the transmission, it will end in a H if you have a locking diff.

 

Again thanks a lot! I'll be checking that out to se what I got then!

 

These are the only 2 I found. First on the door and second under the hood. Is it the RS5F51A? I guess it's supposed to say RS6F51A since it is a 6 speed right? I guess it's a non locking differential then?

 

The first one is it. I'm surprised, I always thought it was an RS6 for the 6 speed. It is open/non-locking diff.

 

It should be, from what I read somewhere else it seems that Nissan made a mistake on the labels on the 04. I found an 06 from Canada with part # 32010-7y466 with low miles, hopefully it works for me! Thanks for all your help!

 

No problem!