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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z
View Poll Results: Welded Diff -VS- Open Diff
WELD IT!!!
2
40.00%
Keep it open, don't be dumb.
3
60.00%
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Welded Diff -VS- Open Diff in Snow

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Old 11-04-2022, 03:34 PM
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Landis
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Smile Welded Diff -VS- Open Diff in Snow

Hi guys, I have read the forums a lot over the years but this is my first post, I couldn't find much info on this.
Yes, I have snow tires and yes I know this is probably a horrible idea considering i have no drift experience (Yet!) , but that open diff is sooo boooring! (and I'm broke)

My question is: is there anyone here who daily drives with a welded diff year round including rain and snow haha?
Follow up: Is everyone still against welding the diff? Or do we not think it is that bad as long as you are safe and accept you are going to break things and go through tires faster?

I don't currently have the have the luxury of owning a winter beater and live in Omaha. It barely snowed last year but did have a day that i could go out and test the car in some light snow. It did well, no problems thanks to the tires. Most winters are pretty ugly out here, so i got lucky last year. I think welding the diff would help me not get stuck (and have more fun) but could be deadly on the highway.
Old 11-04-2022, 04:48 PM
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dboyzalter
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I put my vote on keeping it open... Or better yet find a totaled out g35 or other z with a limited slip...

The main problem i think you would have with a welded diff in any snow situation would be steering. Wouldn't matter what way you point the wheels the back tires will want to push the car straight.

Also if your broke burning through tires. Breaking axles and wheel bearings will probably end up costing money. Not to mention the repair bill when you end up in the ditch.
Old 11-04-2022, 04:57 PM
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Landis
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Originally Posted by dboyzalter
Wouldn't matter what way you point the wheels the back tires will want to push the car straight.
That is an extremely valid point. Thank you. For that reason alone, I will keep it open if i cant find a cheep VLSD from a total or something.
Old 11-04-2022, 06:47 PM
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A better low-cost option is to purchase four snow tires for the Omaha winter. I've lived there and know how cold and icy it can be! A locked diff will help the Z get going, but what about turning or stopping? Get some cheap 17" takeoff wheels to mount the snow tires on and run them from Nov- March for best results.
Old 11-04-2022, 10:14 PM
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Landis
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Originally Posted by dkmura
A better low-cost option is to purchase four snow tires for the Omaha winter. I've lived there and know how cold and icy it can be! A locked diff will help the Z get going, but what about turning or stopping? Get some cheap 17" takeoff wheels to mount the snow tires on and run them from Nov- March for best results.
read the post again. I have snow tires.
Old 11-05-2022, 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Landis
read the post again. I have snow tires.
Sorry- failed to catch that. But having used a welded diff on the racetrack in a Nissan GT5 car means lots of understeer on corner entry and oversteer on exit. Not a combination to help you in street driving unless you have a lot of experience. What brand and model of snow tires are you on?
Old 11-05-2022, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by dkmura
Sorry- failed to catch that. But having used a welded diff on the racetrack in a Nissan GT5 car means lots of understeer on corner entry and oversteer on exit. Not a combination to help you in street driving unless you have a lot of experience. What brand and model of snow tires are you on?
Michelin X ice
Old 11-05-2022, 01:37 PM
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Welded with studded snow tires, then we can have a Landis thread just like Dugan
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Old 11-05-2022, 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by terrasmak
Welded with studded snow tires, then we can have a Landis thread just like Dugan
Thanksgiving is right around the corner... Or Dugan day as its come to be known in the forum community.
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Old 11-05-2022, 06:50 PM
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Best choice is to get a beater truck / suv and park the z so you dont put it in a ditch or (more likely) someone doesnt use your quarter panel to slow their car down…
Old 11-10-2022, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by terrasmak
Welded with studded snow tires, then we can have a Landis thread just like Dugan
Oh god, I just looked that up haha. I am going to learn from his lesson. I shall remind myself to not be a Dugan every time I get the itch to be a dummy lol

Originally Posted by dboyzalter
Thanksgiving is right around the corner... Or Dugan day as its come to be known in the forum community.
lol

Originally Posted by bealljk
Best choice is to get a beater truck / suv and park the z so you dont put it in a ditch or (more likely) someone doesnt use your quarter panel to slow their car down…
Ill keep looking, This is becomeing more and more an option.
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