j30 vlsd/4.63 install questions + shimming

[diacris]

Ive got a 92 s13 with stock diff/axles that im wanting to swap my j30 diff into. I also have 6-bolt vlsd output stubs to put into the j30 diff so that my factory axles will be compatible. While the j30 diff is free I am going to shim it and put my r200 4.63 ring and pinion kit into it. Im wondering if any of you have done this and whether or not the r200 r&p kit will correctly work in the j30 housing. Im aware that I need to swap the s13 diff cover onto the j30 diff but not sure if this the best way to go about doing this whole thing.
Would swapping the j30 internals to the s13 housing be better than putting a j30 housing into my s13? Some have noted driveshaft length issues and diff bushing fitment issues, etc. The j30 diff is also missing an ABS or speed sensor on the snout of the diff, I have not yet confirmed whether or not this hole is connected to the fluid-holding part of the diff. Shim thickness suggestions are also welcome.
Helpful input or links to previous discussions with useful info would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Hoffman5982]

I would personally run the s13 housing simply because of the bushings. As far as driveshaft length issues, I've run a j30 housing on both my s13 and s14 with the stock drive shaft with no issue. I don't believe the speed sensor hole will leak fluid. Mine was missing and I just rtv'd a piece of metal over it and it never leaked.

You're going to have to pull the internals out anyways. The easiest solution would be to throw it into the 13 housing, so that's my vote. I have run a shimmed j30 vlsd for about 4 years now and it has never given me an issue. When i installed my 4.36 R&P I even swapped the 1.20mm shim I originally put in for a .80mm one to reduce the clatter at low speed and it still locks perfectly all day long. Make sure when you're putting it back together you have the half shafts in so everything is aligned correctly.

[TheRealSy90]

Need to measure ring and pinion lash to properly shim it.

[Hoffman5982]

Originally Posted by TheRealSy90

Need to measure ring and pinion lash to properly shim it.

I assumed he was talking about adding another shim internally to make it lock better

[TheRealSy90]

Well, with or without the internal shim added its still going to need the backlash checked since he's changing ring and pinions.

[diacris]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. My j30 diff already has the front bushings removed so I'm going to use this bushing kit that is allegedly made for j30 -> s13 diff swap:
https://www.enjukuracing.com/product...0-z32-s14.html
and use the j30 housing.

Hoffman, did you stack it that .80 on top of the existing shim and is there any difference for which side the shim is applied to? Assuming there is no difference, I will just apply the shim to the side that is quicker to access during disassembly. (referring to vlsd shim, not the carrier shims)