Quaife LSD question
 

I'm looking into a Quaife LSD and came accross this cryptic note on the Z1 site.

Quaife Differentials require no modification to install in a Base model vehicle with open style factory diff. However if your car is equipped with a factory LSD you have two possible options to properly isntall an aftermarket Limited Slip Differential:
A) Purchase a Base Model LSD and add the optional $140 Stub Shaft assmebly
B) Purchase the Factory LSD Model LSD and DO NOT purchase the $140 Stub Shaft assembly.

I have a 09 Sport with VLSD. What do I need to buy to get started on this AWESOME upgrade??????

If I'm reading it right it just means I need to buy a (more expensive $1,300) kit that allows me to install in place of my sport VLSD... is that right???

Pm z1?

The US sport model with VLSD requires one stub to be machined so it is a little shorter (not sure how much - cannot remember).

When I had my Quaife fitted, the diff-shop charged me 4-hours labour to remove the diff housing, remove VLSD diff centre, fit Quaife centre and adjust back-lash, machine one stub (the RH one as ou sit in the car - from memory, but I don't have records at work, so cannot be sure), re-install diff housing, refit stubs and half-shafts and test drive.

Since this was done whilst I was on holidays, I didn;t mind that it took an extra day to get the machining done.

It sounds to me like you can get this done by purchasing the $140 stub shaft assembly (implciation is that has already been shortened) - and using your existing sport (VLSD) diff housing - swapping out the VLSD centre and installing the Quaife and new stub and the job is done. I had bearings and seals replaced at the same time ('cos I'm a bit anal about that stuff).

RB

You will need a base stub axle and seal kit. How Many miles are on your car? If a good bit I would replace the bearings too.

get B. All you need is this more expensive QDF13L model made to drop right in to VLSD equipped diffs. You do not need stub axle if you get this one.

For sure will do bearings and seals. (30k miles)

Thanks!

my local shop is doing up pricing and an estimate. :tup:

I would like to clarify this Quaife LSD confusion for everyone because I do have a situation to share. First, there are 3 Quaife models as everyone already knew ( 350Z and 370Z the same ):

1) QDF10L : For model with automatic transmission
2) QDF11L : Manual transmission with factory open diff.
3) QDF13L : For model with factory OEM VLSD

Well , I have 6 speed MT with VLSD so I had to choose QDF13L. Someone has indicated that it is a direct drop in with no need for modified stub shaft. That is not entirely true.

My QDF13L arrived yesterday and I have it sitting in front of me now. I personally called Quaife USA and Quaife UK last night and they both indicated that the Right hand side stub shaft must be professionally cut off exactly 1.700 inches. Without cutting this RHS shaft as specified, there is NO WAY to fit it in the Quaife. The left hand side shaft is perfectly fine.

So I really don't understand how Z1 motorsports classified the way they sell their Quaife diffs. It is rather confusing. When I called them and refer to the Quaife part number, they don't even know.....

One thing I can guarantee : On the OEM VLSD, the right shaft must be longer than the left one for a simple reason : The viscous clutch unit is installed more toward the left so the right shaft has a longer way to reach the its splines. It makes no sense for Quaife to spend big bucks in order to redesign and manufacture the internal chamber just to accommodate for the extra length. So, they'd rather have us installers to cut off this extra length ourselves. Makes sense to me from a business point of view.....

The other option, which costs more, is to buy a RHS short stub shaft from an OEM open diff , which is about $160.00 shipped.

So I am here to assure all of you that the QDF13L is the correct part for the factory OEM VLSD. Everything should fit properly with factory Nissan specs. The only thing you must do is to shorten the right shaft length as described above.

I would highly recommend upgrading the diff bushings and maybe even the cover if you can afford it at the same time. The bushings definitely; they're not that expensive and if you have the OEM ones....they're definitely prone to breaking.

No doubt. Take the golden chance to install the whiteline bushing set while the rear end is taken apart for a new diff upgrade.

I am in the process of remodeling the whole rear diff. Quaife unit and all new bearings and seals. I will have a professional shop install and calibrate all of the preloads, tooth contact patterrn, check run out ... etc.. exactly per Nissan specs. It's not cheap but worth the investment because I don't ever want to have any issues at all relating to the diff installation. If that is out of the way, then I can compare directly how the Quaife performs comparing to the factory VLSD unit from both performance and comfort point of view,

Still waiting for the bearings,seals and spacer to arrive. Now, I will need to take time to professionally cut the long stub shaft and debur it. I will keep you guys posted of the progress.:excited:

I just dealt with this headache last week. I am not sure that one way or the other is a better solution. I went with QDF11L : Manual transmission with factory open diff+ buy the new stub.

It is perfectly comfortable for street use, it is a beast on the track. I did solid bushings as well, which make the car fairly noisy, but mine is more-so a track car/race car in the works.

cut about this much :)
http://www.the370z.com/members/dr_-a...all-quaife.jpg

Approximately 1.7 inches... or so i hear.

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