1997 Pathfinder 4x4 Rear Differential swap

[A1218]

Hey everyone, the rear diff in my Pathfinder with 235k miles hums pretty loud on the highway between 50 and 70mph and is now making noises at lower speeds. I also hear a growling noise around 20-30mph when slowing down. Recently, when putting the vehicle into drive or reverse, I hear a clunking noise. I had someone shift gears while I was underneath the vehicle and I visbily see the driveshaft rotate at the diff. Nothing is shifting at the tramission mount and no noise is coming from there.

I was thinking of purchasing a 3rd memeber and swapping it out without removing the entire assembly. The plate under my hood says HG46 for the differential and I found one on ebay that appears to be in excellent condition and is also an HG46. However, this one is from an 01-02 frontier 2WD (there is also a plug connector on it, which mine does not have). Will this swap into my vehicle?

I read online that the HG46 axles had 31 splines pre 2000 and 33 splines post 2000?

[mdmellott]

Will this swap into my vehicle?

Nope. 33 axle splines and a different gear ratio. all-you-needed-to-know-about-nissan-axl ... 33955.html

[A1218]

Will this swap into my vehicle?

Nope. 33 axle splines and a different gear ratio. all-you-needed-to-know-about-nissan-axl ... 33955.html

So mine is 33 splines but a different gear ratio?

Do you think it is a good idea to rebuild my current differential?

[mdmellott]

This is what is written on that March 2007 NICOCLUB post.
HG46 - found on auto equipped pathfinders, 96-97 hardody 4 bangers, many Xterras and Frontiers. This one has some variation. Pre-2000 versions are the H233B axle with 4.625:1 gearing (31 spline axles). 2000+ is the H233B axle with 4.636:1 gearing (33 spline axles).

Yours is a 31 spline with a 4.625:1 gear ratio. The one you are looking at on Ebay is a 33 spline with a 4.636:1 gear ratio.

I don't think it's is not a good idea to rebuild your differential with that Ebay part that doesn't match your vehicle.

[mdmellott]

I don't think it's is not a good idea ...

Sorry about the typo. I don't think it's a good idea.