hey everyone... got a quick question, and can't seem to find an answer easily. I have a 2004 2wd xterra(4cyl) and the rear end needs to be swapped. i'm looking at doing other modifications (converting to 4wd mainly) but I've got to get this rear end fixed. It's only got 30,000 and some change miles on it and the differential gasket blew. No one thought to look at it, until it started making weird noises, which everyone thought might be a bearing going bad due to the noise. When I picked it up to look at other stuff, we (my mechanic boyfriend and I) realized the differential was leaking. When I took the cover off to let it drain, I got maybe a tablespoon of oil (not kidding or overexaggerating, either, it was empty). The gears have blued slightly, and while I resealed the cover and put oil into it, I know the rear end needs fixing soon.

So, the question is: Can I use a different rear end? Maybe a rear end from the V6, or an older nissan model (frontier, etc) or even another rear end that is a 6 lug pattern? I would like to swap with something that has parts more readily available, but don't know where to look. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

wow that sux.... i will do some searching and see what i can come up with.....

You should have the Dana H233B rear end. Do me a favor. Open your driver's door. There is a tag there on the sill . You will see your VIN on it. Look at the bottom left of that tag, that is where you will find your gear ratio. This will help you understand what gears to get up front. I have a friend that is selling 3 LSD's at a very good price. You most likely have a 4/6.

Converting to 4wd is going to be extremely lengthy and costly....Take my word for it.

one day i will find out for myself soccer.... lol

Lol Json

Here is the thread you can look at for those LSD's

http://www.roninwheelers.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1658

Allen is a great guy. I met him myself the other day. He has done plenty of work for the Xterra/Nissan community with plent of positive results.

The number you asked for soccer is CA48, I think. It was the only number on the bottom left of the tag you told me about.

Thank you for the information, but unless those lsd's are complete axle assemblies, that won't help because i will still need gears, bearings, etc. which all seem to be dealership parts due to no aftermarket support. The main question is other than another xterra, is there another axle option available to me? A bolt-in would be nice but is not a requirement. Spring pads can be moved.

Again, thanks for the input, and I'm still gonna do the 4wd conversion, and I do know it will be lengthy and costly, especially using divorced transfer cases since I believe my particular model didn't come 4wd due to the 4 cylinder.

i did a quick search on google and this is what came up Xterra Rear ends (http://www.google.com/products?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=HPIB,HPIB:2005-31,HPIB:en&q=xterra+rear+end&um=1/forums) i would bet anyone of these would work from a 1st gen X good luck....

Yeah those are expensive though!!!! Better off just going with a spooled LSD for $250. Way better performance, and way cheaper!

i didnt know the price range i just found that to give as a example if you know what i mean.....

also i had a ? bout the preformance of the 4cyl..... i have never seen the 4cyl in person so i dont know how the motor holds up.....lol

Right I understand. Good looking out. Suzie, that LSD is looking better and better isn't it!

Actually, I swapped out the rear axle I had to the larger v6 rear axle, and other than an abs light, it was a really simple swap...

On to the ABS problem: Since I did the swap, the abs connector on the original rear axle had only one abs connector at the pinion, but the new one came with 4wd abs. My abs light comes on intermittently, and for NO apparent reason... any ideas?

Oh, and the axle was only $160 and I really like it... if only the abs light wasn't coming on...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

The ABS light is probably coming on because it sees the front and rear wheels going at different speeds. The only way I can think of fixing it is to take the guts out of the new axle and mount it in the old axle (and swap in the tone ring).
The rest of my ideas revolve around upgrading to the newer system as used by the new axle which would mean a new ABS controller, wiring etc...way to much $$$.
There is always the other way, cover or pull the ABS bulb.

Go here: http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4836 and follow the links. You might be able to check out the differences of what you had and what you have, and what you need.

Actually, I swapped out the rear axle I had to the larger v6 rear axle, and other than an abs light, it was a really simple swap...

On to the ABS problem: Since I did the swap, the abs connector on the original rear axle had only one abs connector at the pinion, but the new one came with 4wd abs. My abs light comes on intermittently, and for NO apparent reason... any ideas?

Oh, and the axle was only $160 and I really like it... if only the abs light wasn't coming on...

Dang...thats a steal!

Welcome to the Club! :wink-big: