Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Differential Removal and Replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-16-2019, 03:23 PM
  #1  
Mikeys
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Mikeys's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Zionsville, IN
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Differential Removal and Replacement

Can the differential (pumpkin) be removed and replaced using a hydraulic floor jack while the car is on jack stands? I'm considering doing a LSD install (Quaife)
on my base 07. I believe the thing weighs about 90 pounds. I've seen instructions on this site on how to do the installation. If I run into
trouble, I plan to haul the differential and LSD parts to a pro to do the rebuild (and save some money).
Old 05-16-2019, 03:55 PM
  #2  
coletrickle74
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
coletrickle74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 403
Received 86 Likes on 60 Posts
Default

Yep. Super easy. Removing the sway bar and the back half of the exhaust make it easier yet.
Old 05-16-2019, 03:55 PM
  #3  
travlee
Master
iTrader: (8)
 
travlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 48,600
Received 9,045 Likes on 6,511 Posts
Default

Yes
Old 05-16-2019, 06:09 PM
  #4  
Spike100
New Member
 
Spike100's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edina, Minnesota
Posts: 7,337
Received 203 Likes on 173 Posts
Default

Actually you can do about anything with the correct jack stands. It often is not as easy as doing things on a lift, but it is possible. Be cautious and make sure there is safety "catch."
Old 05-16-2019, 09:32 PM
  #5  
FrEteGi
New Member
 
FrEteGi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Yes you can! See pic.

Originally Posted by Mikeys
Can the differential (pumpkin) be removed and replaced using a hydraulic floor jack while the car is on jack stands? I'm considering doing a LSD install (Quaife)
on my base 07. I believe the thing weighs about 90 pounds. I've seen instructions on this site on how to do the installation. If I run into
trouble, I plan to haul the differential and LSD parts to a pro to do the rebuild (and save some money).

Pumpkin removed
Old 05-17-2019, 01:11 AM
  #6  
RobPhoboS
New Member
 
RobPhoboS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 532
Received 66 Likes on 58 Posts
Default

You can but this makes it far easier and controllable (plus the size of it is perfect for a diff) !
The following users liked this post:
khnitz (05-17-2019)
Old 05-17-2019, 05:17 AM
  #7  
Cracka350
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Cracka350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 223
Received 32 Likes on 27 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by FrEteGi

Pumpkin removed
I am truly with my brothers
Old 05-18-2019, 04:44 PM
  #8  
tmdz
New Member
 
tmdz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: WA State
Posts: 222
Received 40 Likes on 31 Posts
Default

I got one of these off of craigslist for $75. Perfect for trannys, diffs, stock exhaust. 1500lbs capacity:





The following users liked this post:
RobPhoboS (05-20-2019)
Old 05-19-2019, 08:49 AM
  #9  
mr. sparco
New Member
iTrader: (13)
 
mr. sparco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Sunny Beaches
Posts: 7,086
Received 454 Likes on 318 Posts
Default

It is difficult to balance it on a jack if yours is missing the jack plate like mine was. The pumpkin weighs about ~80 lbs without fluid. You can man handle it in place. The most difficult part was clearing the sway bar. Though I wouldn't recommend it.
Old 05-22-2019, 02:26 PM
  #10  
terrasmak
Super Moderator
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (8)
 
terrasmak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sin City
Posts: 28,636
Received 2,283 Likes on 1,645 Posts
Default

Do your diff bushings while it's out
Old 05-25-2019, 12:25 PM
  #11  
Mikeys
New Member
Thread Starter
 
Mikeys's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Zionsville, IN
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by terrasmak
Do your diff bushings while it's out
Do I really need to replace the diff bushings? The car has less than 50K miles.

Thanks, all, for the encouraging replies - the job looks do-able by me.

Rob, I found that trans jack at Harbor Freight for $100.
Old 05-25-2019, 12:39 PM
  #12  
tmdz
New Member
 
tmdz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: WA State
Posts: 222
Received 40 Likes on 31 Posts
Default


It’s pretty easy to tell if it needs to be replaced.

Last edited by tmdz; 05-25-2019 at 12:42 PM.
Old 05-25-2019, 12:48 PM
  #13  
coletrickle74
New Member
iTrader: (1)
 
coletrickle74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 403
Received 86 Likes on 60 Posts
Default

Mine blew around that mileage. Its not a matter of if, its when it will happen. Plenty of threads on it. I'd definitely do it while the diff is out for sure.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
carboyanno
Brakes & Suspension
5
06-14-2016 05:46 AM
jmicaelk
Maintenance & Repair
3
11-28-2012 03:45 PM
ebadai98
Drivetrain
0
11-11-2012 10:16 AM
crazysets
Exterior & Interior
7
11-11-2004 07:43 AM



Quick Reply: Differential Removal and Replacement



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:02 AM.