z32 N/A Diff swap questions

[ANVIL]

i want to put a z32 N/A diff in my 89 s13. first off, i did search and from what I understand, for least modifications, I would need to swap my diff cover, and use axles from a 94 or older J30. Is that all I would need? Ive read that I will need longer bolts? which bolts and how many? Im staying 4 lug if that matters. Also, is the diff is the same size as the diff i already have right? i cant use a J30 diff because it is longer from the ABS, i dont think i can absorb the extra lenth, my driveshaft fits pretty tight already as is.

I just want to confirm before I start buying stuff, as I dont think I can find those parts locally, and dont want to buy the wrong stuff and lose out a bunch of money because shipping to AK is expensive.

How much should I be looking to spend?
Modified by ANVIL at 11:33 AM 11/20/2008

[Chris28]

IIRC, 300xz diff is wayyyyy harder to make work than a j30. You have to switch output shafts or something, and it's just a lot more trouble than it is worth. Get a j30 with the axles and yo'll be fine. Your driveshaft will soak up the difference, trust me.

[ANVIL]

i doubt it would soak up the difference. its custom made, and is already tight.

where did you read it was wayyyyy harder? and what is wayyyyy harder about it? i read it was the same diff except the j30 is longer because of the abs sensor up front.

[psmith]

I'm having the same troubles. I got a Z32 diff, and then eventually found what I thought was the right output shafts, with the correct 6 bolt pattern.They didn't fit properly into the Z32 diff. Everyone says the J30 is the easier swap, but if you have a one piece custom driveshaft, that might not be the case. Good luck...

[SuperHatch]

i want to put a z32 N/A diff in my 89 s13. first off, i did search and from what I understand, for least modifications, I would need to swap my diff cover, and use axles from a 94 or older J30. Is that all I would need? Ive read that I will need longer bolts? which bolts and how many? Im staying 4 lug if that matters. Also, is the diff is the same size as the diff i already have right? i cant use a J30 diff because it is longer from the ABS, i dont think i can absorb the extra lenth, my driveshaft fits pretty tight already as is.

I just want to confirm before I start buying stuff, as I dont think I can find those parts locally, and dont want to buy the wrong stuff and lose out a bunch of money because shipping to AK is expensive.

How much should I be looking to spend?

Modified by ANVIL at 11:33 AM 11/20/2008

Yes, you are correct.

Z32 NA Diff94 or older J30 axlesSwap your stock cover onto the Z diff (only for S13)

That will work with your stock 4-lug hubs and your diff input flange will be in the same spot as your stock diff so your driveshaft will work fine.

The longer bolts people refer to are the two bolts that hold the pinion end of the diff to the subframe. Since the Z32 diff has rubber isolators at that point longer bots are needed to accommodate for them. By the way, this is only true for an S13.

The reason some people say the Z32 diff is "waayyyyyyy harder" is because you need J30 axles to make it work. That, or you need the differential output shaft/flanges from an S13/S14 that has a stock LSD and put them into your Z diff so you can keep your stock axles. There is no known strength difference between the J30 axles and the S chassis axles.