Identifying bolt-in or snap-in flanges on R180

[ezzzzzzz]

I want to upgrade to CV halfshafts on my 71 240Z. The rearend is a R180 LSD with 4.11 r&p. From searching, I've concluded that diff must be from a later vehicle (possibly truck?) because such a carrier was unavailable in the early years(?). Can I determine whether the flanges (that go into the diff housing) are snap-in or bolt-in without any disassembly or is that the only method?

[Mr Camouflage]

Umm, Snap in look like this:

<img src="http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/data/500/2965DSC0144.jpg">

bolt-on have bolts connecting the halfshafts to the flange and look like this.

<img src="http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/data/500/2196R200_01-med.jpg">

<img src="http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/data/500/1760Diff-1_May_04-med.jpg">

R180 LSD's were available from nissan (nismo?) as racing options from very early on.

That about where my knowledge of diffs ends, so this is a guess: Not sure if it's as simple as changing the halfshafts flanges. Surely the internals of the diff are different?

[ezzzzzzz]

Thanks! I'm learning more and more. I was thinking that the snap-in flange still had to bolt to the half-shaft. One day I'll have an understanding of what is actually in my 71 240Z that isn't standard production. So far I know the following...

R180 LSD w/ 4.11 r&p, 5 speed (non-dogleg) tranny with the early style shifter that uses cone shaped rubber grommets, front and rear anti-sway bars with the rear bar in front of the differential, remote oil cooler (removed prior to purchase), etc.

I'm heading to the bookstore tonight to peruse through later Z books in an attempt to note drivetrain differences, etc.

[Marty Rogan]

ezzzzz,

I am sure no expert on diffs either, but have been trying to learn more lately. I believe the CV type have half shafts that snap into the diff, on the diff end and bolt onto the wheel flanges on the other end. The other type bolt on at both ends.

Do you have an early or late '71?? I am curious to find out more about the shifter on your 5spd. The description of your shifter sounds like an early A type tranny shifter (cone shaped rubber grommets?). However, I don't think that would bolt up to a 5 spd trans. What do you mean by a "non-dogleg 5 spd"?

I have an early '71 that I have looking into installing a 5spd from a '78. I have located a stick shift that has been bent into and "S" shape, bcause I really don't want to cut into the trans tunnel and console.

If you switch to the CV type diff, let me know, I might be interested in your old one.

Marty

[ezzzzzzz]

I climbed under my Z at the body shop (they're making major headway working the metal back out to it's original shape without welding or cutting!). I was kinda hoping to see a later R180 that used the CV axles. It is an original LSD differential with the early style bolt-on flanges. The rearend still has the straight mustache bar too. I would consider swapping in a R200 LSD to use the CV axles but wonder what the cost might be. Anyone have an idea? Also, does anyone have an idea what my early NISMO diff is worth should I venture in that direction?