Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Nissan F-Alpha Front Differential Tech

Jump to Latest
13K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  Rom  
#1 · (Edited)
The F-Alpha platform is now being used by numerous vehicles and our differential choices have expanded from just R180 vs M205. While it is quite possible that the M205 is still the best option for front differentials, I think it is a good idea to at the very least document the other options, open peoples eyes and see where that information leads.

During my research, some things I have found quite interesting, for instance it looks as if the front differential from a Y62 patrol has an Iron case. Also, it looks like Nissan decided to cheap out in North America and put the R180 in front of the new Armada/QX80... it has 400ft/lb torque and nearly 5:1 first gear ratio.


Model: R180
Vehicles: 2005 - 2018 Nissan Frontier, 2005 - 2016 Xterra and 2005 - 2012 Pathfinder V8
Ring Gear Diameter: 180mm (7")
Gear Ratios: (Factory) 3.13, 3.36, 3.54, 3.69 (Aftermarket)
Carrier Types: (Factory) Open (Aftermarket) ARB Air Locker, Lunchbox
Spline Count: 27
Notes: Housing is very thin cast aluminum, subject to splitting under heavy loads in reverse.


Model: M205
Vehicles: 2004 - 2015 Nissan Titan, 2004 - 2015 Nissan Armada, 2004 - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder V8, 2004 - 2010 Infiniti QX56
Ring Gear Diameter: 205mm (8")
Gear Ratios: (Factory) 2.94, 3.36 (Aftermarket) 4.10, 4.56
Carrier Types: (Factory) Open (Aftermarket) ARB Air Locker
Spline Count: 30
Notes: Housing is very thin cast aluminum, subject to splitting under heavy loads in reverse. The 2008+ "3 Rib" design is stronger, but still the case material is very thin.


Model: ??? (Nissan part number 38500-5ZW1A)
Vehicles: 2017 - 2018 Nissan Armada, 2011 - 2019 Infiniti QX56 & QX80
Ring Gear Diameter: ??? (Probably 180mm)
Gear Ratios: (Factory) 2.94
Carrier Types: (Factory) Open
Spline Count: 27
Notes: Looks identical to R180, its probably a slightly newer R180


Model: MA235
Vehicles: 2016 - 2019 Nissan Titan
Ring Gear Diameter: 235mm (9.25")
Gear Ratios: (Factory) 3.36, 3.91
Carrier Types: (Factory) Open (Aftermarket) ARB Air Locker
Spline Count: 33
Notes: Would Require Spindle/Hub swap


Model: 385001LB3A, 385001LB3B
Vehicles: 2010 - 2019? Nissan Patrol Y62
Ring Gear Diameter: ???
Gear Ratios: (Factory) 3.36
Carrier Types: (Factory) Open (Aftermarket) HARROP ELocker
Spline Count: 34
Notes: Cast Iron Housing
 
Discussion starter · #6 · (Edited)
AlbatrossCafe said:
MA235 and Y62 Patrol diffs look SUPER beefy. But it looks like they are akin to the R180 in that they don't have flanges for the CV attachment - is that right?
I would take the M205 still any day for that reason. I fear CV axles breaking over anything.
Click to expand...
The M205 I believe is the only one to use flanges, which I agree is a cool feature.

Still, the Patrol front differential housing being Iron, as well as the MUCH higher (even than M205) carrier (CV) spline count means the CV shafts (at least the part that enters the differential itself) should be significantly stronger and therefor you dont need to worry as much.

At first glance, the limiting factor for using the Patrol differential in D40 is the lack of gear ratios. This is not much of an issue on the Patrols because the 7 speed automatic has a 1st gear ratio of almost 5:1, but for the 5 speed in the D40's is a different story.

The Y62 Patrol is very popular in the Arab countries and Asia, and is gaining popularity in Australia so it might not be long before gears start being made, but for now they are now.
 
Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums
posts
1.6M
members
45K
Since
2006
We’re the best Nissan Xterra forums to talk about your Nissan Xterra Mods and off-road adventures. The New X is the ultimate club Xterra.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Xterra Discussions Powertrain & Driveline Parts & Accessories Classifieds Suspension & Steering Exterior