S15 VLSD install into S13 with PICS!

[Nikeboy355]

I picked up an S15 VLSD and axles for cheap and have been wanting to replace my welded diff for a couple of months now…
I didn’t like the idea of stressing the drivetrain while maneuvering the car around slowly as well as I know it isn’t optimal traction for a road course car… I never got a chance to take it to a drift event but it sure did donuts very easily with just a stock KA…

The S15 LSD I have is supposedly from a non Spec R S15 making it a viscous LSD as opposed to the Spec R/Autech S15s that have helical LSDs…

The final drive is supposed to be a 3.90 making it the same as a J30 VLSD…

First step was pulling out the old diff and axles… I put the car on all 4 jackstands and I used a large jack to lower the diff from the subframe…

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6129.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6124.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6130.JPG

And here is the stock S13 diff and axles next to the S15 diff and axles… The S15 parts are the cleaner ones…

A couple things that I noticed about the S15 diff were:..
1. It is slightly longer and I’m hoping my stock S13 driveshaft will still work…
2. It has a speed sensor that won’t be used (If I have an S15 cluster, can I use it?... anyone know?)…
3. The front diff mounting points are different and I’ll need to pick up the bushings and bolts from an S14… I am going to get this from the dealer, it can’t be that expensive…
4. The driver side axle is a little bit shorter

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6131.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6132.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6137.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/3IMG_6138.JPG

I already pushed the axles into place and once I get the parts from the dealership, I’ll get this all bolted in…

[bloodangels13]

I hope you got yourself a proper length driveshaft to use with the s15 diff.... otherwise the s13 drive shaft either wont fit at all or will vibrate like a son of a bitch...... i've only seen hlsd s15 diffs never a vlsd... when you pop the rear cover off you should check....at least for wear and put new fulid while its out.. its a bitch to do so after its in the car....
you can get the energy suspeinsion diff bushing kit for a 300zx and use only the two forward mount bushings (z uses four total.. s13 uses only 2) its cheap and its an upgrade from oem

[Sir]

Blood - S13 doesn't have any bushings on the diff. S14/Z32/J30 and I guess S15 use 2 forward ones and 2 in the back.

Nike - As far as the forward mounting bushings you want to buy, I'd suggest going to a machine shop and asking them to make some up from metal. Shouldn't cost you more than 30bux. I did mine on a lathe and I <3 it. SPL used to carry solid bushings for the diffs, but they're no longer available on their site. :(

PS - get a driveshaft from a ABS car.

[exitspeed]

For the front mounting points make sure you get some big washers. Your driveshaft has some play in it so you can push it forward towards the front of the car. If the dimensions of the of that S15 diff are the same as a J30, then it will work, and it won't vibrate or have any ill effects.

[EJ253]

i have an S15 HLSD

what model had the VLSD? ive never heard of that

[exitspeed]

He stated he was told it was from a non Spec R. He's just going by what he was told.

[drift freaq]

he is local and I do have a S13 abs driveshaft for him,which is what he needs. $75 and its his.

[Irukandji]

SPLparts sells differential bushings cheap.

[skylindrftr]

someone said before that spl no longer caries those bushings =)

[bloodangels13]

i know about s13 using no bushings what i ment is when using said diff on a s13 you use only 2 of the 4 suplyed bushing in the ES 300zx kit....... thats what i did to mount my z32 diff and its alot better for street use then solid bushing yet still a big upgrade from oem rubber bushings...

as far as the spl bushing go look for them under z32 300zx i belive i saw them under that

[Sir]

You're right, they are listed there
wish I called them up instead of making my own.
Oh well.

[ManoNegra]

Seems like too much work for a basic VLSD. Most S15 diff installs I've seen (Helical) go the route of transplanting the guts from one pumpkin to the other. But it could be a good opportunity to go to a one piece driveshaft.

[Nikeboy355]

I pulled the rear cover off of the S15 diff and it is indeed a VLSD... a small part of me was hoping that someone made a mistake and it was a HLSD...

I am considering swapping over all the internals into my stock S13 pumpkin so I won't have to buy a driveshaft and can use my stock 4.08 final drive...
I've never taken a diff apart so nows the time to learn...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/4IMG_6149.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/S15%20LSD/4IMG_6152.JPG