VLSD Install question

[Chezedik]

I have a JDM VLSD from silvia Qs I think. Anyway, I was reading the sport compact car install of the VLSD into the pumpkin, and I know my bearings are good, but the pinion may get replaced. My question is, what is the likelyhood of having to reshim it. As the article would say it is nearly 100%, is that right. If so, any good idea of how to get a kit of them rather than buy them individually, or even some sort of install kit including seals and bearings. Anything?!?! Please help.

[SmithSR]

Chances are, your local Nissan dealer has one parts guy who deals with Nismo exclusively and can get you JDM VLSD ring & pinion sets and shim kits, and pretty much any other part you need. You need to find that guy.

You should pay a shop to set and dial the pinion and shims.

[Chezedik]

What do you think the damage would be on something like that? On one hand, I have done all the work on my car to date in my overhaul, but I have never done a differential, but since I am installing the master bushing kit from energy suspension, and it includes the subframe bushings. So ya know, it makes sense. How hard is it? I have the FSM, and it doesn't look real tough.

[drftnassmofo]

well i got my vlsd out of a j30 and it has been a real beotch trying to install in my s13...theres 4 bolts on the back of a stock open diff and 4 holes on the back of the sub-frame for them to bolt into....on the vlsd there's only 2 bolts so uhhmm...also you'll prolly need a drill to make the the top two subframe holes bigger for the vlsd's bolts to fit through them...this took forever!!the front two mounts on the vlsd are also farther apart than the open diff's so i may not be able to pry it hard enough to get my last bolt started threading....\a lot of ppl say it just bolts ryte up...my a$$ it does.. this weekend has been fing insane!! btw good luck w/ your install,, really, youllprolly need it, unless of course u have a hydraulic lift, pry bar, and a big a$$wrench!!

[Chezedik]

Well, I did not get the differential inside the pumpkin, so I have to install it in the case for the open unit, as it is my understanding that it will work. Anyone heard otherwise?

[Chezedik]

Any other info is certainly welome.

[eddiec]

if you removed a lsd unit and want to install it into a different carrier, then yes you will need to get it re-shimmed. you could do it yourself if you have the patience and an fsm. improper installation and incorrect tolerances will lead to premature gear wear and reduced service life. usually at most dealerships there is someone who "specializes" in drivetrain work. find this person and talk to them. on non-standard jobs such as this they might cut you some slack on the labor since the diff is already removed and loose.