Diff questions

[Matt Berry]

Today I set about stripping apart all the suspension and drivetrain.
Being it’s a 280z I assume it’s a R200 diff but can’t see any markings on it to indicate this.
Whilst taking apart all the mountings and giving them a going over with a wire wheel I came across a bracket that doesn’t look standard, more home made and I can’t figure out what it was actually doing.
I’ve attached a picture of the mount with the bracket attached and then when it was taken apart and cleaned, also attached a picture of the diff to see if anyone can tell by looking at it. It does have “392” stamped on the top, guessing that’s the ratio?

 

[AliK]

As far as I know, the only markings showing the ratio are on the crown wheel inside the diff.

A 280z should have an R200 - imho your pic shows an R200 diff.

The NVH weight though out there to reduce vibrations as far as I know didn’t have those things (stack) welded as standard but would be interesting to see what others say. I wonder if it was used as a way to “lift the diff” by a PO!?

 

[Mark N]

A 280z should have an R200 - imho your pic shows an R200 diff.

Manuals have R200s, 280Z autos have R180 diffs.
However, you are correct, that is an R200.

 

[jonbills]

I agree with everything Ali said.

 

[Matt Berry]

So the plate is part of the assembly, but not the stacked welded on blocks?

Will take it apart to check the ratio

 

[Robbie J]

I have slightly more OEM version of the weight on my 280. There to stop vibrations looks like yours was homemade but functions like mine

 

[Matt Berry]

Looked like it had been on there for a good amount of time as it was caked in just as much grime as the rest of it. I’ll see if I can source an original part

 

[Robbie J]

its not far off from mine TBO

 

[johnymd]

The anti vibration weight looks very standard to me. I have one that is stacked exactly the same and others with various amounts of weights.

 

[Matt Berry]

The anti vibration weight looks very standard to me. I have one that is stacked exactly the same and others with various amounts of weights.

No way! Looks so home made to me

 

[johnymd]

That’s what I first thought. I believe they were adjusted at the factory depending on the diff.

 

[Robbie J]

perhaps on the day, the guy that did mine was a better welder. Mine will be in bits in a month if you really want one

 

[Matt Berry]

perhaps on the day, the guy that did mine was a better welder. Mine will be in bits in a month if you really want one

I’ll stick with it I think, just tidy it up before it goes back on the car

 

[Rob Gaskin]

These 'blocks' have been discussed before and it does seem a crude way of overcoming a vibration problem. Is there really a problem, most people leave them off?

When I had a 350Z I read that there was a block of steel in the tailgate to either help it close or stop vibration. I removed the trim, found it and removed it. Didn't notice any difference.

 

[SeanDezart]

Hard to pass anything other than the stock (50mm) diameter exhaust pipe past that 'block' !

 

[AliK]

The anti vibration weight looks very standard to me. I have one that is stacked exactly the same and others with various amounts of weights.

I’ve learned something ! [emoji106]

 

[Ian]

Looks very like my weight plate did. I still have it but no longer run it on the car, haven't noticed any issues.

 

[Matt Berry]

I did wonder if it would make a difference if removed. Perhaps I’ll cut the blocks off the plate and see what happens

 

[Matt Berry]

Looks very like my weight plate did. I still have it but no longer run it on the car, haven't noticed any issues.

Did you remove the entire plate or cut the blocks off and put the plate back on?

 

[Ian]

I just removed the entire plate. At the same time as fitting my OS Giken CLSD and fitting a Technoversions RT style front mount.