Rear Axle Swaps

• A 'built' 125 hp A12 will versus a stock 125 hp 3-liter V6. You need a bigger diff for the latter since it has more torque.
• Lower first-gears in the transmission mean more torque gets to the differential. For example, the stock B110 4-speed first gear (3.757) will multiply torque more than the B310 5-speed first gear (3.513 in the 60a transmission).

Stock Datsun 1200 Rear Axle

Coupes, Wagons and Sedan use the small H145 differential. 1975 and up Datsun 1200 Trucks use the stronger H165 differential.

Car Rear Axle

The stock rear-end assembly works great for the A12 or the A14 engine. This is the H145 (145mm diameter ring gear). The diff is open (non-limited-slip) and the diff assembly unbolts from the front of the axle assembly (like Ford 9", but much smaller). All 1200's (except newer utes) had the H145. Sedan and coupe had a 3.900 and the wagons had 4.10 ratio. Wagons and vans have alloy center.

Datsun Competition (later Nismo) used to sell various ratios: 3.9, 4.111, 4.375, 4.625 LSD (Limited-Slip Differential) units were also available from Datsun Competition. Axle baffles and Oil Coolers were available from Nissan Competition Good for maybe 100 lb. ft. of torque

A15 Diffs If you have swapped an A15 into your 1200, the stock H145 differential isn't strong enough except maybe for use with an automatic transmission. Instead, use an H150 (as fitted to B210s and B310s) or larger differential.

1200 Late Truck Rear Axle

Newer Ute Differential Newer 1200 Utes (1974 and up) have a much bigger and stronger diff, the H165 (165mm diameter ring gear). This has stronger axles too.

H165

Good for maybe 225 lb. ft. of torque ??? Axle baffles and Oil Coolers were available from Nissan Competition There is one LSD for Type I, and another for Type II

Easy Swaps

B110/B120 axle

Coupe into Sedan into Wagon into Ute: All B110/B120 H145 rear-axle assemblies (housing, etc) generally interchange but may be small difference in the brake line routing, handbrake cable location etc. Also use the shock-mounting plates from the right vehicle:

1200 Shock Absorbers

TIP: Wagons had a alloy carrier.

B210 Japan (Hitachi) axle

The easiest swap is to get the entire rear-axle assembly from a 1975 or newer B210 (120Y) -- this is the H150 (150mm diameter ring gear). The main spring is 55mm longer, but the others can be used on the 1200. See Bolts right in!

Japan diff

NOTE: The 1974 B210 uses an H145, although the housing is the new stronger design. H145 can be distinguished by studs, whereas H150 uses bolts to fast the diff to the case.

B210s have a strong axle housing (axles tubes are larger, to 2.2 inch up from 2.0 inch, so U-bolts are different). The B210s use an isolation clamp (the axle tube is rubber mounted), and so the mounting pad is wider. You will need the clamps, u-bolts and shock mounts to do a swap. The housing also user larger ball 72x32x19 bearings (up from 62x32x16) with both inside and outside seals. The B110 only had one seal.

Because the H150 is longer, the driveshaft is shortened by 7mm. The housing face is 2mm toward front of car (diff gear is 5mm larger)

Datsun Competition (later Nismo) used to sell various ratios: 3.545, 3.7, 3.9, 4.111 for the H150.

LSD (Limited-Slip Differential), Axles baffles and Oil Coolers were not available from Nissan for the H150.

Good for maybe 125 lb. ft. of torque

B310 Rear Axle

The assembly from a B310 (Datsun 210/Sunny) uses coil springs and is wider, so it's not as good a choice (need modifications). It's also 4 link, so you have to do some significant mods to mount it to the chassis.

B210 Borg Warner axle: 120Y 4-dr sedans and wagons were Australian assembled and had a Borg Warner diff (BW model 68). All were 3.89 ratio, although the 120Y wagon and panelvan might have had a different ratio. [Thanks L18_B110 for this info]

This can be detected as there is a rear cover (the diff [center] doesn't unbolt from the front of the axle housing - like a GM differential only smaller).

These are the same width as a 1200 H145 diff, but have a different input flange, so you will also need the matching 120Y-BW tailshaft.

640 1202
Borg-Warner diff

Late B120 Ute, B140 & B122: The next best swap (at least in countries that got 1200 utes) is to get a 1974-and-newer 1200 ute H165 assembly, although it may cost a bit if you can find one.

In North America, Nissan Motorsports use to sell the empty axle housing, axles and other parts. rear disc brakes are available for this axle housing.

The late 1200 ute (1974-up) uses the H165 differential, which is strong enough for a stock CA18DET engine. It bolts right into a coupe or sedan, with this exception

• handbrake adapter fits in a slightly different in position
• make sure you get the ute rear brake fluid splitter
• the driveshaft is 25mm longer (than a B110 shaft) and has a different yoke

discussion: ute difference and ute history

== Toyota == Corolla KE25 or KE30 will increase the track about 3", but is a bolt in.

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An option for the Aussies out there is the Australian Toyota Corolla diff. KE25 and KE30 models used the same Borg Warner diff as the 120Y, but with longer axles & tubes. Approx 3" wider in total. this is useful if you have Stanza or similar front brakes, as those struts increase track by about the same amount. So you can use the same offset (fwd) wheels front and rear without looking kinda silly and undertyred at the back if you know what I mean. Using rwd offsets will require a little gaurd work depending on the width and tyre size used. The biggest reason for using the Corolla Borg Warner is the available ratios - 3.89 (manual), 4.1 or 4.3 (auto). A tag on the rear cover has the ratio stamped on it. The Corolla diffs have a different input flange, so you need a 120Y BorgWarner flange which is interchangeable with the Corolla's. You also need a 120Y Borg Warner tailshaft (for the matching flange)

[Thanks L18_B110 for this info]

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Other Strong Diffs and Choices

Rear-axle assemblies from many different cars be be swapped in the 1200 with minor or major modifications. Advantages are strength, LSD and gear ratio choices. Oh, and if you do the work yourself, swapping in a unit could be cheaper than buying just a new ring & pinion.

Bolt-Ins

<li>Ford Falcon ute complete rear which gave you LSD, a live rear, and discs <li>Datsun 620 (pickup) front axle assembly with LSD <li>510, 610,710 station wagon (Davo_1200's 1200 used this diff). Note that 510 sedans use IRS, a very long-snouted Subaru diff and LSD centre will fit found here in the US on the XT models. It is an 3.70:1 R160 by Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) and is the same as the OEM diff in the datsun 510 (1600) also made by Fuji. ( not sure about this, no subaru i ever had had a stock LSD... ) <li>US Postal Service Jeep (8 3/4" Chevy rear end with 4.11 gears)

Shortened

<li>Custom-built Ford 9" (kits are about $500-$700 USD from Currie Enterprises or Moser Engineering - includes housing and two axles, you add brakes and center section from any old Ford sedan) <li>Toyota Hilux Pickup <li>Nissan Bluebird TRX <li>Skyline Borg Warner LSD <li>Datsun 520 pickup/ute with H190 diff <li>H190 from Series 1 & 2 Bluebird wagons that came with the 4 speed trans H190 info and discussion Width unknown, but these solid axles have the H165 center: S110 Sylvia (1980-1984 200SX) 82s and 83s had optional disk brakes S10 Sylvia (200SX, note 85-up S12 uses H190, R190 or R200 diff). reference: site For more information on vehicles with H190, see the "[#ratios ratios]" section below. <li>Mitsubishi Scorpion diff

Differential Gear Ratios

H145

B10 - Datsun 1000 1967-1970 4.11 4.375 - wagon (VB10) with alloy carrier

B110 - Datsun 1200 1971-1973 3.90 B120 - Datsun 1200 ute 1971-1973 4.11

B210 - 1974 3.90 (north american)

Datsun Competition (later Nismo) used to sell various ratios: 3.9, 4.111, 4.375, 4.625 for the H145.

H150

The Hitachi H150 was fitted to B210s and B310s with A14 and A15 engine. It can cope with more torque than the smaller H145.

Ratios from Nissan North America:

• 1975-1979 4sp and auto: 3.889
• 1975-1979 5sp: 3.70
• B310 1980: 3.889 (Auto & all A12A)
• B310 1980: 3.70 (A14 manual)
• B310 1980: 3.545 (A15 manual)

Datsun Competition (later Nismo) used to sell various ratios: 3.545, 3.7, 3.9, 4.111.

For 1980 and newer vehicles, look at the engine compartment build plate. It will list whether you have an H150B (HB) or regular H150.

• HA38 - 3.889 ratio
• HB37 - 3.700 ratio

H165

Datsun Competition (later Nismo) used to sell various ratios:

<li>H165B Type I (to 6/79): 3.545, 3.7, 3.9, 4.111, 4.375, 4.625, 4.875 <li>H165B Type II (from 7/79): 3.364, 3.545, 3.7, 3.9, 4.111, 4.375, 4.625, 4.875

Available from production vehicles: 3.7, 3.9, 4.111 & 4.875 reference: diff ratios

C120 van ratios

You can get 4.1:1 and 4.875:1 ratios quite easy, it is the same diff that Bluebirds (rwd Maxima) and C20 (Datsun Vanette) -- some with aluminum centers -- and some 4wd Datsun Pickup (non-1200 ute) front diffs (those are wider assemblies, though, so just use the center section). For example: A10 Stanza/HL510 (1978-1982): 3.7:1 180B (610) wagon: 3.89:1 Series 1 Bluebirds (810): 3.89:1 Series 3 Bluebird wagon (910): 3.89:1

Pit Road carries the H165 part (LSD Nismo P/N 38420-RS110). [www.datrats.com.au DatRats] also has been known to carry the 1200 ute stuff.

H190

stock ratios

How to Identify Datsun Diffs

Here are some features to note to tell the difference:

• does center section bolt in?
• count bolt holes
• Measure distance across

H145 vs H165 size comparison

• Does center bolt in, or fit onto studs with nuts?

No back cover

To check a Vanette diff,count the bolts holding the housing to the centre. if it's got 8, it's a H165, & the motor will be a a12. If however it's got 10, it's a H190 & the motor should be an a15. discussion: Vanette diff

H145 or H165?

http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs /3338.jpg
H145 or H165?

H190 versus H165

H190
Axle comparison: H190 versus H165

H190 was used in most of the Datsun pickups, the 1960's Datsun Roadsters and other Datsuns.

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To install a 4.375, 4.625 or 5.125 ring and pinion into a third member equipped with a 3.700, 3.889 or 4.111 ring and pinion a 4.0mm/.157" ring gear spacer must be fabricated. Due to a smaller pinion shaft, the 4.875 and 5.874 ring an [sic] and pinion sets are interchangeable, but cannot be installed into third members equipped with other ratios. Nissan Competition part catalog, 1984 edition pg 58

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Datsun Competition used to sell various ratios: 3.36, 3.545, 3.7, 3.9, 4.111, 4.375, 4.625, 4.875, 5.143, 5.429.
There is one LSD for ratios up to 4.111, and another for the larger ratios
Axle baffles and Oil Coolers were available from Nissan Competition

Alloy Carrier

3486 3487

H190 vs H165

R160, R180 and R190 These were IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) differentials with long snouts. Used in the Datsun 510, 610 and other IRS Datsuns. The "R" stands for Fuji Heavy Industries. The R180 was used in the front axle of Datsun 4x4 trucks (720, etc).

R31 Skyline Diff

Propeller Shafts

Automatic and manual cars use different propeller shafts (aka driveshaft or tailshaft). Automatic transmissions are 15mm shorter than a standard transmission, so the auto propeller shaft is 15mm longer.

53-series transmissions and 60-series transmissions are the same length, and use the same shaft. It doesn't matter if you get the transmission from a B110, B210 or B310.

63A and 63l use the same input yoke as the AT, rumor has it all you need is the AT prop shaft to hook the 63a to the H150&H150A. The 63A should be the same as the L series ones as far as the shafts and splines ( needs to be verified )

You may need to remove the dust cover (cup on front yoke that fits over end of gearbox) for some swaps. The cup sometimes looks like its purpose is a stopper, to stop the yoke from sliding in too far (see B310 Manual Conversion, tailshaft doesn't match?).

Can you use a B210 driveshaft in a B110? I think so IF you get the 1974 B210 driveshaft. Here are some driveshaft (tailshaft) considerations

<li>The 56 and 60 transmissions are the same length <li>The automatic and standard cars use the same differential, so the back flange is the same <li>Automatic and Manual Transmission cars use different shafts, presumably the shaft's slipyoke is different <li>1974 B210s (and perhaps any 12" wheeled A12-powered B210) uses the H145 diff. Other B210 models used the H150 diff which has a larger flange <li>Aussie-assembled B210s used a Borg-Warner diff, so that shaft is totally different

Note that all models in a family use the same shafts -- there is no difference between coupe, sedans or wagons.

The 1971-1973 Datsun 1200 manual tailshaft is the same overall length as the B310 manual but with different flange bolt pattern at rear.
B110 and B310 both use the "Japanese" differential (H145 or H150). So do most B210s, except Aussie-built B210 sedans which use a Borg-Warner differential.

B110 Propeller Shaft Specs

• Same for all 1971-1973 models (including ute)
• End-to-end length nearly same as B310 (though diff flange differs)
• 1189 mm (u-joint to u-joint)
• 68.9 mm Tube diameter. 1.6 mm thick
• 20 mm Sleeve yoke (slip yoke) diameter. 1.6 mm thick. 3.150 mm pitch splines

B110 Propeller Shaft - Nissan Part Numbers

• 37000-H3100 SHAFT COMP, propeller with joint (manual)
• 37000-H5100 SHAFT COMP, propeller with joint (auto)

B210 Propeller Shaft Specs

one-piece shaft Length measurements

• 1182 mm (u-joint to u-joint)
• 1330 mm manual (end-to-end)
• 1345 mm auto (end-to-end)
• 33 mm (rear u-joint to flange face)
• 115 mm manual (front u-joint to tip of slip yoke)
• 130 mm auto (front u-joint to tip of slip yoke)

Nissan Part Numbers

• 37000-H7200 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER manual 4-speed
• 37000-H7300 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER automatic Auto
• 37000-H7500 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER (3-joint) 5-speed
• 37000-H7900 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER (3-joint) 4-speed

These last two (2-piece shaft, 3-joints) are JDM models with a small 63.5mm diameter shaft. These were used in the L-engine powered cars.

B310 Propeller Shaft Specs

Length

• End-to-end length nearly same as B110 (though diff flange differs)
• 49 inches from rear flange face to beginning of yoke slip surface
• 1045 mm manual (u-joint to u-joint)
• 1177 mm auto (u-joint to u-joint)
• 68.9 mm Tube diameter

Nissan Part Numbers

• 37000-H8500 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER manual
• 37000-H8900 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER automatic
• 37000-H9200 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER A14E up to 7909
• 37000-H9201 SHAFT ASSY-PROPELLER A14E from 7910-8010 A15E from 8011

These last two "E" models (EGI aka EFI) used a two-piece shaft with center bearing, similar to the longbed GB122 truck.

Limited-Slip and Locking Differentials

A differential is inside the "final drive" (ring & pinion) gears and allows the left and right wheels to turn at different speeds. This is important of course for going around corners. The downside is that if one wheel is on slippery ground (ice, gravel, mud, etc) the car doesn't go at all, as one wheel is turning but slipping and the other not turning at all. Hence the usefulness of LSD or locking diffentials, which are typically used on high-performance cars. Locking is typically used on off-road vehicles, LSD for road vehicles, including racecars. Most productions cars did not and still do not come equipped with LSD. Less expensive cars (like the 1200) did not even have it as an option.

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Limited Slip Differentials come in many different types, but the main thing is they limit wheelspin. This is useful in racing and in low-traction surfaces (rain, snow, etc). Different types of LSD are cone-clutch, spring-loaded, clutch-pack, hydrodynamic (viscous), etc. Some trademarks are "Posi-Traction" (GM), "Traction-Lok" (Ford), Torsen.

Nissan Performance racing parts used to sell an LSD for the 1200.

H145 LSD

Spring-loaded LSD vs. conventional

Reportedly, the easy LSD upgrade for a 1200 is to use a Datsun 720 (pickup) front axle assembly.

Locking Diffs

A "locking" differential is another animal. When locked there is no slip -- not just limited slip, but none at all. When unlocked, it's the same as an open differential. These are used for racing or for seriously slow off-road work.

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Locked diffs are also useful for circuit racing. Many race cars from all sorts of categories use locked diffs. The understeer that is apparent on street/drag cars with locked diffs can easily be eliminated with proper (race) suspension geometry. These settings (camber, castor, and toe) will not be practical for street use though.

L18_B110

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Examples of different types of locking diffs:

<li>The ARB air-locker is popular with Jeeps and other off-roaders. When the dash-mounted switch is flipped, air pressure locks the diff gears together <li>The "Detroit Locker" was used by some high-performance Ford vehicles in the 60s and 70s. The Locker may be the only modern road-going locking differential, as it can automatically lock and unlock

Spools

<li>For drag racing, the spider gears can be replaced with a sold unit so that both axles are always locked together. This is called a "spool"

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spool (right center)

<li>The "poor man's" locking diff is to have the spider gears welded together so that it works like a spool, but is obviously cheaper. The danger is of a bad weld and having it explode on the race track

Using a spool or welded diff gears on the street is illegal in most countries, and can be dangerous, especially in the wet. The danger is of spinning out.

Miscellaneous

race car mounting

4-link

See also: