VLSD Issue

[Angel]

Greetings all,
I have a question regarding a factory VLSD that I purchased recently from a J30. I went to install it this past weekend into my S13 case as the front mounting tabs had no bushings in them and I wanted to avoid any possible issue with the abs sensor. Now onto the problem, upon moving the unit into the s13 case we noticed that when spinning either the axle stubs or the input shaft it makes a very rythmic clicking noise. It sounds as if it coincides with the gears meshing, but everyone present felt that it was an abnormal sound. Don't recall it making the noise while still in the J30 case, and for what it's worth my open diff does not make the noise.

Is this a normal noise? Should I install it? I am not too familiar with these units and have nothing to compare it to.

I am just concerned that once it is actually seeing some real torque that it may seize or let loose in some more spectacular fashion.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Agent_S13]

There was no reason to remove it from the J30 housing. I did the same swap into my S13 (S14/J30 VLSD into my car) and there's an article in the archive files that lists the bushings needed.

I replaced the bushings w/ ES ones and got the kit (2 differential bushings, 2 subframe bushings) for $30. Sold the subframe bushings because I didn't own an S14/J30. Used the other 2 for the differential.

I also had the ABS sensor in my unit. What I've noticed is that the extra length is negated when you swap diff covers. My S13 diff cover (4 bolt) is much shorter than the S14/J30 one (2 bolt) and that difference was enough to negate the extra length in the front. I re-used my S13 driveshaft and there were no problems whatsoever. Everything bolted up... also had a 96+ VLSD so it was 6-bolt, no need for axles.

The archived thread even has the part # for the next diff cover gasket when swapping the covers over too.

I think you made it a bigger deal that you had to.

And to have some relevance to your problem --- no, mine doesn't make any noise. Might want to check the clearance when putting the guts into the pumpkin again.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

[DriftingXJDM]

There was no reason to remove it from the J30 housing. I did the same swap into my S13 (S14/J30 VLSD into my car) and there's an article in the archive files that lists the bushings needed.

I replaced the bushings w/ ES ones and got the kit (2 differential bushings, 2 subframe bushings) for $30. Sold the subframe bushings because I didn't own an S14/J30. Used the other 2 for the differential.

I also had the ABS sensor in my unit. What I've noticed is that the extra length is negated when you swap diff covers. My S13 diff cover (4 bolt) is much shorter than the S14/J30 one (2 bolt) and that difference was enough to negate the extra length in the front. I re-used my S13 driveshaft and there were no problems whatsoever. Everything bolted up... also had a 96+ VLSD so it was 6-bolt, no need for axles.

The archived thread even has the part # for the next diff cover gasket when swapping the covers over too.

I think you made it a bigger deal that you had to.

And to have some relevance to your problem --- no, mine doesn't make any noise. Might want to check the clearance when putting the guts into the pumpkin again.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

I would like to know where did you get the bushings? is it the one that has metal sleeve on it thanks I took the one out of the lsd I got and now I can't find the right bushing... and I have a 5 bolt pattern id I use the J30 axle do they bolt right up...

[Agent_S13]

I'm looking for the thread with all my information on it.

I believe the ES bushings were for a 300zx. Its a subframe bushings kit.

Burn out the old ones, install the new ones, and yes -- they do come with new metal sleeves. Very easy to install, I put them in by hand after leaving them in the freezer overnight.

FA Thread about my Install (http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB27&Number=67844023&Forum=UBB27&Words=VLSD%20Install&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=1year&Main=67844023&Search=true#Post67844023)

But here's the breakdown of the kit I ordered:

Rear differential carrier bushing set Part #: 7-1108 (http://www.suspension.com/nissancars.htm)

Took 2 days and it was about $30 shipped. I used the 2 differential bushings and sold the other 2 (subframe, because it was 2 large ones and S13's have 4 small bolts in the diff cover) for $20. Not bad for $10 bushings. It comes w/ everything you need. To be safe, I did pick up a few washers to go between the bushing and the bolt during the install.

As for your axle issue. If you have an pre-95 VLSD from a J30, you'll need matching 5-bolt axles. I think all 240sx's have the 6-bolt pattern. I kept it simple, kept the same axles for my 6-bolt VLSD and everythings good to go. I didn't have an issue of needing "shorter/longer" half-shafts. I only have a gearing change issue, but its very negligble.

Good luck w/ your install. Search for my other thread on here because I also listed the part # for a new diff cover gasket.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

[DriftingXJDM]

Yeah because on mine the bushing were messed up so I took the bushing then air chissel the metal sleeve... So if I'm right that bushing is everything I need thats the metal sleeve in the middle, the rubber bushing, and the metal outside sleeve where all those sit in right... and the LSD I got came with 5 bolt axles... so it should bolt right up once I put the bushings and cutting the lip of that bushing and transfer the cover... thanks