OK, here's what's in the works:

As many of you know I have an H233B and R200 out of a 2000 truck, and an ARB ready to install in the rear on my '98 4 banger Frontier. What I had considered is putting my old C200 ARB in the front, but it would require removing it, shipping it to Florida and back, and whatever Nissan Mike would charge me on the machining. Plus, that leaves me with a disassembled C200 that really isn't worth anything to anyone. Having one complete with a locker is salable (Right, 98BlueFrontier?)

So here's the latest thought: Lockers break things in the front. It's a damn wonder Mikey hasn't snapped SOMETHING with that welded front.

Calmini sells a front LSD for $450. I figure all the work and shipping I gotta do to make the ARB work will be at least $200, as I don't think the master shim I have will work because of all the machining done on it to work in the C200 rear, so I'd have to get those parts...and I'd also need another switch and air tubing, etc. (what I'm saying is that it's not simply popping it out of one axle and into another).

I'm thinking the front LSD will work well. Yes, it won't be as positive as a locked front, but it won't break stuff either, and you can turn with it as well, rather than having to turn off the locker to turn the truck, or unlocking a hub on a welded front. LSD's usually wear out in the back because they're under power all the time in a rear axle on dry pavement. I'd guess one would last a long time in a front axle that's only locked in on the trail.

So anyway, the thought is to put in 5.14 gears in both axles (about $1100 in parts), and the Calmini LSD in front ($450). And of course the new ARB in the rear axle which I already have.

Hopefully the lower R&P gears will help the 4 banger pull those Swampers. It takes my final drive back to about where it was with the original 235/70/15 Long Trails.

Whaddya all think on the LSD front?


1998 Frontier 4x4 seriously built
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock

It would probably be of more use to you in the long run, since a front locker on our rigs is pretty much for emergency only (used very selectivley).

Most are of the opinion like yours that a front locker will snap CV's so having some give up there would be a good thing, especially with all the rocks you run.

For softer uses like mud and snow, you could probably get away with a locker up front and use it more like it was made for.

Sounds good Andy, hope it works for you.

MVM



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www.wheelohio.com
mark@wheelohio.com

yes, it is very sellable, just not at the minute.

http://pub27.ezboard.com/btherealunnoficialnissanfrontiersite

Just be sure and call Calmini and get an ETA on their next batch of the C200 LSDs first, last I spoke with them a month or so ago they had none and had no idea when they might get more.

Brent

He's putting the LSD in the R200 front.

The C200 is what he currently has in the rear that we're going to get rid of.

Edited: Sorry Brent, after looking at Calmini's site, I'm assuming that we were both on the same page, just different letters. The LSD they sell is for the R200. Guess I'll give Steve a call and see where he's at with it. That may change the whole situation around and make us change our mind.

[This message was edited by Desert Lady on 07-19-02 at 12:59 PM.]

C200, R200. Same differential.


1998 Frontier 4x4 seriously built
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock

andy, this may be a long shot, but why not take it over to lake havasu to spencer low racing and see what kind of machine work they can do for you.

Andy,

Isnt there a LockRight for your soon to be front axel? I would go that route. You will still have easier turning than with the ARB as teh outside will be allowed to travel faster than the inside while turning. I would not want to have the LSD since in order to have the "locking" effect you must first spin on of the tires. I would bet that this would cause more breakage than a LockRight or other mechanical locker.

Well, I contacted Calmini and wasn't treated well on the phone when I asked if the front LSD was available. The guy on the other end was abrupt and said "well, we don't know if it will ever be available. We just started selling parts for Nissans", and he just seemed generally standoffish. Next time I'll deal with Steve himself or nobody at their shop. So it's another case of offering and pricing parts on a website that they don't even know if they'll be selling. That gets frustrating.

I see AC has a front LSD listed for 99+ R200 diffs, but it's like $650, so I don't know if I want to spend that much on LSD.

Sean, yes, I'd strongly consider a lockrite, but they're not available yet and no one can seem to tell us when they will be.

If anyone comes across info on this, please post!


1998 Frontier 4x4 seriously built
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock

The "R200" LSD they're marketing is a C200 LSD used in the 300ZX that has had some minor machining done to it to fit an R200 case. That's why I said to find out when/if Calmini was getting any C200 LSDs in.

Brent

if that is the case, I believe that some of the q45's and 240sx have interchangeable lsd's on them, might make a nice junkyard project?

http://pub27.ezboard.com/btherealunnoficialnissanfrontiersite

Go to your local dealer and ask the parts dept to order you the motorsports catolog. I believe you will find gears and lsd's in there. I am pretty sure this is where most of the Nissan aftermarket gets some of their parts from. I would look it up, but I have misplaced mine.
Lator.......

Yeah, you know Andy, you should go with a LSD. You won't be able to hang with the Pathy anyway since your truck is so short... (prodding Andy with stick) Heck, why not just leave it open? That way you don't have to worry about steering.. Besides, what are you gonna break that you don't have hundreds of spares for? You've got two full half shafts in addition to the ones that you have on your truck... (poking with stick again) Quit being a candy ass and just lock the front with the ARB you already have. I'll bet there isn't hardly anything that needs to be machined. Just throw it in, and be happy that the amount of money you will end up spending on IFS will be more than what I will end up spending on swapping both axles and adding a second transfer case to the Pathy... (smacking with stick)

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BART has more sheet metal and glass than I do.

quote:

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Originally posted by McFly:
Yeah, you know Andy, you should go with a LSD. You won't be able to hang with the Pathy anyway since your truck is so short... (prodding Andy with stick) Heck, why not just leave it open? That way you don't have to worry about steering.. Besides, what are you gonna break that you don't have hundreds of spares for? You've got two full half shafts in addition to the ones that you have on your truck... (poking with stick again) Quit being a candy ass and just lock the front with the ARB you already have. I'll bet there isn't hardly anything that needs to be machined. Just throw it in, and be happy that the amount of money you will end up spending on IFS will be more than what I will end up spending on swapping both axles and adding a second transfer case to the Pathy... (smacking with stick)

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BART has more sheet metal and glass than I do.

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I will believe that when I see it Mikey. You have been talking about this SAS for years.

Mikey, I'm gonna slap YOUR ass and call you Susan! I liked the LSD from Calmini because it was priced right. LSD's from a dealer cost more than a new ARB, which just doesn't make sense. But they just put products up on their website for the hell of it, apparently.

I'm getting some pricing done and should be at a decision shortly.

Mikey, you need my truck to be reliable so I can give you a ride home when your Pissfinder breaks down.


1998 Frontier 4x4 seriously built
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock