Viscous LSD from R200 into R200A WD21 front diff?

[DAW]

I searched but didn't see anything specific on this.

 

Can I transfer the VLSD spool unit (12mm bolt holes) from an R200 (Z31) into the front differential of a '90 Pathfinder (12mm bolt holes)?

 

The VLSD has to keep its own stub axles with it to function and I think I have both types of bolt-pattern (the paired bolt type and the evenly-spaced larger bolt type) VLSD axles available but I don't know which type the Pathfinder uses (I don't have the vehicle here). Anyone know?

 

I've read a front LSD may contribute some understeer, but that a VLSD will cause less than a clutch-pack LSD.

 

Has anyone done this swap?

DAW

[datzenmike]

Bear with me for a while... If you look at the R-180 in any 720 4X4 you'll see that it can be flipped over (upside down) and run in the rear of a 510 and it works fine. If the R-200 will do the same, and it looks like it will, it might work. Have you measured the length? or you'll have to modify the drive shaft too. You would have to take the rear cover off and flip it so the mounting bolts on the frame will fit it.

 

Here's my R-200 (non VLSD):

 

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q251/datzenmike/diffR-200411001Large.jpg[/img]"]

[DAW]

Mike,

I'm talking about just swapping in the LSD unit itself, not the whole differential, i.e., unbolting the LSD spool assy from the ring gear in the R200 diff and transferring it into the R200A diff instead of the open unit in there now. The axle stubs from an R200 VLSD have to be used because one side is extra long to engage splines in the LSD stator.

DAW

[datzenmike]

Ah crap. Yeah I re-read your post and changed it for another and must have hit the wrong key this AM. Should have checked it. Actually should have had a coffee first.

 

Yes seems like in theory it will work. As long as the 12 mounting bolt sizes weren't changed.

 

Surprisingly I've never heard of doing this either, maybe because most 4X4 are too hard core to want VLSD in their trucks. Interesting.

[datzenmike]

Okay all agree it's do able. And this was found:

 

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t108078.html

[DAW]

The spline-count they're discussing (29 vs 30 spline side gears) doesn't matter to me since I have to retain the axle stubs that go with the VLSD unit being transfered. Externally, the flange bolt patterns do have to match up and that's what I'm not sure about right now.

DAW