I'm replacing the transmission in my 01 Maxima SE 3.0. Everywhere I call is asking is I have a locking diff or not and I am not really sure what to tell them. I even called the local Nissan Dealer and they were not sure either so it left me scratching my head. Does anyone know of a way to tell for sure one way or another...







My Project

 

Look at your firewall at the trans code, if it ends with a V then you should have a VLSD, also if you have metal pedals then it should be VLSD.

 

If it says RS5F50V then you have Posi (VSLD)/locking. If you have RS5F50A then you have non posi, standard tranny non locking.

Physically both look almost identical from the outside. The driver side Diff Output Seal (to the CV Axle ) on Posi Drive is larger then the standard one, but if you have never seen the standard one you won't be able to tell.

I think only Canadian 5th gen Maxima has option for VSLD if I'm not mistaken.

 

This gives me zero hope for the dealer knowing anything anymore.


01 anniversary edition came with VLSD.

As stated, check firewall tag and check the diameter of the seals. Also you can spin the wheels as stated in FSM.

 

I'm not sure if the axles are the same for locking and open diff on the 3.0 cars. They are the same on the 6-MT.

If you can confirm the axles are the same then go with the VLSD locking diff tranny. It's a lot better and everything else should be the same. If you're swapping it doesn't matter which one is in now.

 

The left shaft is trans specific. I have a VLSD from an 01, swapped it from my 98 to my 99 this week actually.

The right is the same for all 5 speeds and autos from 95-03.

 

Sounds to me like the best thing for the OP would be to get the VLSD tranny and a new axle.

I love the LSD swap in my 02. I have to say it was the best single upgrade I've done with no trade offs. It really ties the power and suspension mods together and lets them work to their fullest. If I had to start over it'd be the first thing I did.

I've seen the many LSD cars (of all types) on a lift that turn the wheels in different directions. I've never found that to be a reliable test. There usually has to be some resistance for it to kick in.

 

Well I am trying to replace my trans with a junkyard trans and they are asking which I have..... IF mine is a standard (NON)locking trans and I end up putting one in it what all am I going to have to change to put the locking diff in if i end up with the locking one. Thanks guys for the info

 

All you need is the matching left drive shaft.

 

Have you searched here? http://car-part.com/

 

UPDATE: Got a junkyard transmission (fingers crossed it is a good one) and I managed to get one WITH Limited Slip Vs.NON-Limited Slip that it had... One strange thing was mine is a 01 Anniversary Edition and I was always told the Anniversary Edition ALWAYS had the Limited Slip Locker, so with that being said if there is anyone that ever finds themselves in the same position then never assume just because it is the Anniversary it had the Limited Slip Option... ALWAYS Check the VIN Tag under the hood, (In the driver side firewall area under the wiper) and double check using VIN and Trans Axel Code...

I am very hopeful all goes well and I get this unit back on the road again. As of now (11:00 PM July 4th) I have not yet put the trans in. I am hopeful that as stated above that the only difference will be the Left (driver side), Axel. I went ahead and bought a new left axel so all fingers crossed hopefully I will be driving it in a day or two.

 

The car in your signature does not look like an AE. Not all 2001 were AE.

 

Thanks to everyone that dropped a line... I got the car up and running... It seems to have a bad manifold leak and the fart can (exhaust) the previous owner put on it rattles inside or something? It seems to do ok but it will def need some love to bring it back to its full potential.
As for anyone that may run across this in the future and need some help similar to my situation, Get the Locking Diff. As other said numerously go ahead and get a locking trans and you will appreciate it later. The ONLY thing I changed putting a locking trans into my Non-locking trans was a $60.00 Axel from your local parts store and its golden.
Of course my luck didn't stop there, I think I have a car with a bad IACM due to irratic (higher than normal) idle. From what I have found is the Idle Air Control goes out, sending a bad signal to the ECU and frying a circuit inside and Ill prob have to send off to be repaired and all that good stuff.