L28 full rebuild assembly

[Dave WM]

wow, stuck in a hotel, that is the worst. I hate hotels, cant sleep well just waiting for the sun to come up. Hope you get out of there soon. With everything on lockdown I am thinking I will get to my valve stem seals to see if I can improve on my oil consumption. Its not terrible (1000/qt apprx maybe more maybe less) but it gets to be a pain to have to keep up with it between my 3k mile oil changes.

The one thing that I have not looked into on the drive line is the rear bearings, I suppose 45year old grease is subject to break down and something I should look into. I am trying to put together my list for the Florida to Alaska trip. Plan to stock up on a very through supply of critical parts (rad/hose/alt/belts/WP/fuses/starter/ECU/spark modual/tire repair kit......) will add to the list as I think it thru. The plan would be to take a lot of backroads thru the states then the ALCAN highway thru Canada to Alaska.

I suppose I should revisit the drawing of defrost lines, I kinda sidelined that project since never needed in Florida. I have the copper paint and resently practiced using black electrical tape as the mask. Getting the right application tool is the problem. trying to not overapply gut still get enough on is the problem.

 

[Av8ferg]

So I selected the 5 speed transmission and differential today after landing this AM.  A short trip to the JY and  I looked at all the mileage and years and picked an 82’ with 226k miles.  There was one with 186k but it was a 79 or 80 and I was worried it had the older 5 speed. (I couldn’t open the door to check the  tag but it had the dizzy with the e12-80, the and older ZX tail lights so I figured it was an early one)  The differential assembly was $120.  I also checked at least ten 300ZXs to see if there happened to be a LSD...no luck.  There was only one 88 turbo anyway.  
So, on the drive home I stopped by another JY to get a part for a member on here, while there I  found a new Z I haven’t seen before. Engine and transmission are gone but in generally good shape for a car in a junkyard.  

[S30Driver]

John ... not sure if you know this ...  does the transmission you acquired have 1 hanger ear on the tail housing or 2 ?   Also the speedo cog, is the bolt at the bottom or top? 

The close ratio gearbox has 1 hanger with the speedo bolt at the bottom.

[Av8ferg]

Okay, I thought that all 81-83s had the closed ratio transmission and 3.9 diff? Am I incorrect?

 

Here are the pics of the car these are coming off of.

 

 

[S30Driver]

I believe you are essentially right, but parts get changed over 45 years and multiple owners.

[Patcon]

I would have thought the 88 turbo would have had limited slip. Possibly the VSLD if it were a Shiro

[Zed Head]

I think that you definitely got the close ratio 5 speed. And odds are very very high that you a got a 3.9 diff, if that's a coupe, not a 2+2.  Can't tell from your pictures.

The drain plug magnets of both will be a first clue about how they've survived the years.

Edited March 19, 2020 by Zed Head

[Av8ferg]

Thanks for the tip ZH.  I hadn’t thought of checking the plugs before paying. There is a 30 policy if there is a problem too.  I told the guy working the front desk to confirm it wasn’t a 2+2 before they pull anything.  I’m almost 95% sure it wasn’t a but all the cars in that yard start to blend together in my mind.  This car was one of the easiest ones to access too.   Next time I’m in TN for work I’m going to check that other yard.  It has about eight to ten 300ZXs too.  The yard I just found these transmission is very strict, no walking around unescorted and generally difficult to work with.  The TN yard is a free for all.  Run by a bunch of county boys that don’t even know what’s out there and you can wander all day....but it has a lot of snakes, fire ants and horse manure, and you gotta pull it yourself.  

[Patcon]

If they have an LSD car it might be worth all the hassles, even the horse manure!

[Av8ferg]

I put in a part request online about the 87-89’ LSD diff. I got three calls today from yards that had it. The first place wanted $550 shipped. I offered $250 and he said, “no way”. The second place only had the viscous (VLSD) type and the third never called back with a price. No big deal, part of of the fun for me is “The Hunt” I enjoy hunting down parts since I can’t chase down women anymore. But with all this PC culture I’d be afraid to ask a women out in these days anyway. Telling a women she’s beautiful is considered harassment.


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[Patcon]

I would consider any lsd, even a VSLD a bargain at those prices but you need the halfshafts for the diff. the VSL diff have a unique halfshaft

[Av8ferg]

Okay, so I land back in TN at 11pm tonight.  My flight home isn’t until the next afternoon so I’ll be off in the AM to dig around one of my favorite yards in the boonies.  This is the one with a 240, three 280’s and God know how many 300’s.  It a pandemic safe haven because I’ve only ever seen one other person there.  It’s a fun place to dig around.  I have several parts requests from members.  To include a passenger side rear wheel well plate to steering wheel column plastic.  I personally need a lower alternator mount for my engine rebuild and few other odds and ends. There is also an L28/N47 Maxima in this yard.  I’m going to check out all the 300 diffs also to see if there is a forgotten LSD there.  Please send your parts requests and I’ll do the best I can.  Unfortunately, no major items because I just called the yard to make sure they’re open and he said it been raining all day.  It’s going to be a muddy mess.