Is this a VLSD?

[StryfeS13]

Keep in mind the differential is not bolted on a car at the moment. (If that makes a difference)

This came off of an ABS S13 that had leather interior.

I'm honestly not sure if it's an open differential or a VLSD. When I turn one axle, the other one spins the opposite way. I can apply pressure to both and make them spin the way, though. I can also hold one with my hand, and spin the other side freely. It also has spider gears inside.

Sounds like an open, right? But then I read this:

The VLSD units DO have the spider gears and NO spring-loaded clutch packs. It utilizes a VISCOUS coupler to transfer the power to both wheels just like an AWD transmission transfers power front to rear.

So I honestly have no clue. Here are some pictures.

This is showing the cover. (There is no "orange" vlsd sticker, and if there was, it probably fell off, I mean, how would that stay on!?")



This is showing the fill plug is on the left side. I noticed on PDMRacing's website that their "S13 VLSD's" have the fill plug on the left side.



Looks like it says 38811 - 40F00?



905A

[spank044]

The third picture is the nissan part number for the diff housing and the fourth is a stock number. From your description of the tests you've done it sounds like an open diff. If you would take a pic without the cover that would make this a done deal.

[AZhitman]

No need. It's an open diff. Someone has switched the rear cover.

BTW, the VLSD decals are pretty bulletproof. I've had them survive soaking in acetone (cleaning a diff cover).

[spank044]

Quick question, my stock open diff has the same cover and it is the stock unit for the car. I thought HICAS was the only odd cover.

[AZhitman]

Could be, I haven't looked at a stock diff in years (I have the S15 helical in mine).