Would anyone care to address my interest in finding a pnp LSD replacement for my R-200 dif (that would hopefully not require replacing my axles and/or driveshaft)?

What cars would be likely donors? What serial no.s should I look for?

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

It would be helpful to know what the car is and what you currently have for diff and axles.


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Do I understand correctly that you intend to get this unit from a donor car in a junkyard? If so, you'd be better off just getting an aftermarket unit. Search on HybridZ. I believe there's one or two inexpensive aftermarket LSDs that people have been happy with. Inexpensive meaning under $500. The only LSD I know of that you could get from a JY that would work in a Z is the CLSD from a 87-89(?) 300ZX Turbo, and those are getting hard to find. Additionally, it wouldn't meet your needs anyway, since you'd likely have to change your axles.

There's this one - http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/127169-mfactory-r200-helical-lsd/ which seems pnp.

 

Then there's the OBX, which takes some work to make sure you get the right one, and flip the gears, and replace the low quality washers inside.

https://www.amazon.com/OBX-Helical-Nissan-300ZX-Silvia/dp/B00QHQWMQ6

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/88099-obx-differential-inspection-and-installation/

the 88' Shiro also had VLSD but you have to use the Shiro half shafts too!

If your car came with an r200 then all you have to do is replace with a LSD unit. Axles slide right in. 

If your not making tons of power the stock axles will be fine. 

Thank you all for your input.

 

I should have noted that the car in question is a '77 280Z, tho in my defense, I had assumed that the R-200 description would provide the necessary info about the axles and driveshaft involved.

 

Mr.JSM, the situation you describe is my desired scenario. However, what I am hoping to learn is exactly what LSD/diff  out of what car I should look for as a donor. Is there not a type/part no. that identifies an LSD  R-200 dif?

Like rturbo said late 87, past 5/87 to 89 Turbo.  The 88 shiro edition you can't use your stock axels. Normal turbos you can. The rear cover of the LSD will also need to be swapped for your stock one or get an after market bracket to keep it. 

Youll also have to change the prop shaft flange from yours. 

Easiest test if your searching junk yards is both wheels when up turn the same direction. If they don't take the cover off and verify it has the LSD in. 

Expect to pay $500 to $1000. I got lucky with my last one for $137 with axles from pick and pull. 

It's all about cost, skill, luck, and time.  How much of each or any or any combination, do you have?

Here's an option that looks quick, fairly low skill level required, but expensive.  https://whiteheadperformance.com/performance-parts/datsun-240z-260z-280z-1970-78/240z-280z-diff-differential-axles-lsd/

I have a complete 240 conversion to a R200 with a recently installed Mfactory LSD that I am not currently using. PM me if you are interested.

 

 

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Mr.7tooZ:

 

Your offer is attractive, but as I'm still in the early stages of trying to realize the dream, I won't waste your time with window shopping. I thank you just the same.

 

 

Returning to point, I would like to see if I understand a couple things:

- No S30 Z was ever delivered w/LSD.

- My original rear housing plate, that would seem to be somewhat shallower by my uncalibrated eye, will accommodate the LSD carrier assembly, and thus fit (see below) the (E) mounts.

- Units from eligible cars will not require a change in axle shaft ends (or length).

- The later LSD R-200 is the same length from front mount to driveshaft flange, obviating the need to change/modify the drive shaft.

 

I thank you for your attention.

 

Fun fact: If you do the one-axle rotation test w/helical LSD (Torsen, Quaife, etc.), the other axle does not turn at all.

 

 

7tooZ's offer is worth keeping in mind.  The MFactory product is apparently of high quality and I think that 7too had his professionally installed in an R200 housing.  Properly shimmed, new bearings, seals, etc.  It's a drop-in R200 long-nose, which is what the 87-89 300ZX clutch-type LSD would almost be.  No need to change the pinion flange with 7too's diff.   Drop yours, install his.

Not clear what you mean by housing plate or (E) mounts. Maybe you left a picture out?

There are two types of R200 - long-nose and short-nose.  The transition from long to short was 1990.