Hej guys, Finally doing some winter work on my 03 DE, German Import to Sweden. I saw the finned Diff cover on the car. But once it was up, I found that the entire diff is finned. I wasn't expecting that as most pics I've only seen finned covers.

Doing some searching on here/Googling...not finding much on a full finned diff. Anyone know the story behind them? Was it a Nissan option or a euro spec thing?

 

That's interesting, never seen it before.

 

I believe it was a UK OEM spec if memory serves me correctly. I researched this over a decade ago. Unfortunately, I forgot most of the specifics of what I had found.

 

S'far as I recall, this is an R200 like any other but the fin'd model were sold in hot operating climates, e.g., UAE, parts of Africa and I'd bet in parts of Europe. Only time I've seen this referenced though was in/on Z34s so can't say for sure how it ended up on your 33.

 

That's an intriguing option for euro-spec Z33s! If you change the diff fluid, be sure to let us know if there's a difference in sump capacity.

 

Will do. Already bought the fluid (80w90 GL5) and cracked the filler bolt...I will drain it after Xmas and let you guys know capacity. I wonder what that little "****" that comes down on passenger side (its not in the middle) on the diff is for? Some kind of catch for metal deposits? Just odd looking.

 

Jacking point. Jacking on the fins will break them.

 

You think? It went thru my mind, but was thinking when I lift both wheels off the ground...to have it all balancing on that one small contact point? Was worried about the car tipping. I jacked it up on the fins with a rubber pad between. Maybe I'll give it a shot next time...see if it's balanced.

 

Throw a 2x4 between jack and diff

 

More info is somewhere on this site, basically came on cars that were commonly used on the autobahn to reduce dif heat.

 

Hej guys, just an update...this thing...

Is a jack point...after I changed the diff fluid...I brought the car down using it...was balanced just fine. Another wierd thing with this diff...car was level...it took almost a full 2 quarts before it started to drip from the filler. I was expecting it to only take 1.5 quarts. Just a heads up for the next guy with one of these diffs.

Z

 

That is the Euro-Spec Diff
I have one!

YES, that is the Jack Point.

 

2 quarts is normal for the differential.