Diff to Half Shaft connection

[Marty Rogan]

I recently picked up an R180 diff with 3.54 gears. I believe it came off a 78 280Z. The connections for the half shafts are not the typical 240Z flanges where the half shaft bolts on. These half shafts have a splined end that inserts into the diff. I think you then tighten up a nut on the half shaft to secure them.

I was looking into replacing that connection with a 240Z side flange so that I could bolt on my existing half shafts, since they have new Spicer U-joints in them. Then I saw some CV joints on EBay. I was wondering if CV joints would mate right up to that connection? CV joints have a splined end too. Not sure if they have the same number of splines or the same length shaft though.

Can CV shafts be used with an R180?

Anybody know???

Thanks,

Marty

[zcarnut]

...Then I saw some CV joints on EBay. I was wondering if CV joints would mate right up to that connection? CV joints have a splined end too. Not sure if they have the same number of splines or the same length shaft though...Can CV shafts be used with an R180?

Yes, but you have to use “R180" CV axles along with the R180 “CV type” diff.

Nissan used CV axles on the very late production R180 differentials. Most 280ZX’s with automatic transmissions had them as well as all the 1981-84 Maxima’s. The R180 CV axles differ from the R200 CV axles in two respects: The R180 CV axles are longer and the splined part that is inserted into the diff is smaller in diameter (and has fewer splines).

The CV axles are secured in the diff with a “cir-clip” in the diff mating with a grove in the splined end of the CV shaft (and not a bolt). Hence, you must use a R180 CV axle with a R180 CV differential. These can be identified with a large “K” cast into the top of the diff.

You can change over a regular (or U-joint type) R180 diff to accept the CV axles, but this requires disassembly of the differential.

This is all well documented on the Hybrid Z forum. Use the search function. http://hybridz.org

[Marty Rogan]

Thanks for the reply Steve. So, it is definitely not a directly compatible connection. I figured that, or I probably would of heard of someone doing it already.

Marty