leggy

Heh, like those Fiats - which all had the "optional" clock, just that if you didn't order it, they stuck a plastic panel over it so that it wasn't visible?** (** Probably an urban legend)

I just checked out my setup. The metal placard on the firewall (pass. side) says HG43 axle. According to this site: http://forums.nicoclub.com/all-you-needed-to-know-about-nissan-axles-through-2004-t233955.html that means I have an R200 (front) and H233B (rear) with a 4.363 gear ratio. Is that odd? The truck has an automatic transmission, but 4.363 gearing.. I thought that automatics got the 4.636 gearing?

Heh, wow.. now we really have all manner of opinions and "facts" to sort out.

Funny how that works..

Oh hey, one more question just came up. What models / years will interchange with my 2002? Was the LSD more common in the QX4 models, or the PF SE models, or what should I be looking for?

Ah, OK - I get it. The LSD carrier won't accept the aftermarket (retrofit) locker because of the way the former is constructed; I suppose the area in the center of the ring gear is occupied by the LS clutch parts, and that's where the locker hardware would need to be. I guess I just don't see myself ever wanting or needing a locker. This isn't for off-road use, just daily driving in a climate that can really make things difficult without a whole lot of warning. The LSD upgrade is just one more factor in my favor - though it may be almost gilding the lilly, as the PF already proved its worth this last winter. What a superb winter ride that thing is! Thanks for the driving tips, I *think* this will be my first LS rear drive, if I manage to find and install it. Any sense of what I'll pay from a fair junkyard? (That's a "breakers" to you royal subjects, lol).

Watched the vid, read the info. Thanks! But nah, I don't need anything that serious.. just looking to slightly (and simply) upgrade the stock setup, and a factory LSD set seems to be the most straightforward route. Any sense of what a junkyard (oh, pardon me, automotive parts recycler) would get for the parts? It's just the contents of the rear pumpkin, eh? All my existing housing / axle shafts / etc will mate up?

Hm, ok.. so I think I have a little conflicting info, here? According to adamzan, it's a simple drop-in to convert open->LSD in my 2002.. whereas a previous poster said that my only option was to convert open->locker. Of course, adamzan has almost 13K posts and I like his answer the best, so I guess that means he's right? =) Also - we're having a terminology thing again. What you're calling the 'third member' is what I *think* I call the rear carrier. That is, the ball of drive gears inside the rear axle housing. Anyway, I'm sure this will get settled sooner or later. In the meantime, any info on aftermarket / upgrade clutch & spring sets for the LSD gear? I figure if I've already got the assembly sitting on the bench, I might as well freshen it up a bit. I'd probably pull it apart for inspection anyway, unless it really looked super-duper clean & new.

By 'open' diffs, you mean regular one-wheel wonders, plain differential gears, right? Sorry if that's a stupid q. So what are "ARB" lockers, and how would they help me? I did a quick google, and it seems like you're talking about auto hubs with pneumatic actuation.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I live in Minnesnowta, and make regular but intermittent use of the 4WD for 5-6 months of the year. And need I mention that this '02 Pathy is already the best dang snow vehicle I've ever owned? Throw the cables on the rear, shift it into 4LO, and the thing is pretty much UNSTOPPABLE - even in the worst (urban) snow "emergency" environments. Those 16" Michelin LTX M/S don't hurt the traction, either.. ;-) No emergencies here, if you get my meaning.. lol.

Hey good folks of NPORA, Frist Psot! This should be an easy one. The vehicle in question is a 2002 SE with what Nissan calls "part-time 4WD", and I would generally call "regular 4WD". That is, I have a manual transfer case with 2H -> 4H -> N -> 4LO. Transmission is the standard 4-spd automatic. I'd like to upgrade the rear axle to limited slip, which according to what I've read in the owner's and service manuals, was an option for this model. 1) Is this a Good Idea? I mean to say, are there any major issues with the Nissan LSD rear gears? Will I gain more than I lose? 2) What is involved? Is this as easy as pulling the rear gear and dropping-in an LSD gear set - or are there other changes to be made? Would I need to swap-in a complete LSD axle, for instance? 3) Are there good, reasonably-priced aftermarket clutch pack / spring sets, that I can use to rebuild / upgrade the LSD assembly before it goes in? Ok, I guess that's all for now. Thanks in advance for any info, advice, etc etc!!