Editing Z31/differentialinfo

{{ImportedFrom|site=Xenonzcar|title=XenonZcar.com Z31 Differential Specifications and Variations|url=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/differentialinfo.html|archive=https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/differentialinfo.html|fetched=2026-05-15}}

![](images/Differential/Diff.jpg)

![](images/Differential/Diff.jpg)

There were 11 different differentials offered in the Z31. They are all R200 models Made by Hitachi I think? The differences are as follows:

* USDM 300zx 84-87 NA = R200 3.700:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion
* USDM 300zx 88-89 NA = R200 3.900:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion
* USDM 300zx 84-86 T and JDM 84-89 T= R200 3.545:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion
* USDM 300zx 87-89 T = R200 3.700:1 clutch LSD * 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion
* USDM 300zx 88SS = R200 3.700:1 viscous LSD ** 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion
* EURO 300ZX Turbo Sold in Europe = R200 3.364:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion - 4 spider gears
* EURO 300ZX Non Turbo Sold in Europe = R200 3.700:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion - 2 spider gears
* EURO 300ZX Turbo Sold in the Europe = R200 3.545:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion - 4 Spider gears
* EURO 300ZX Turbo Sold in the Middle East = R200 3.545:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion - 4 Spider gears
* EURO 300ZX Non Turbo Sold in the Middle East= R200 3.700:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion - 4 Spider Gears
* EURO 300ZX Turbo Sold Else where = R200 3.545:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion - 2 Spider gears
* EURO 300ZX Non Turbo Sold Else where = R200 3.700:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 10 tooth Pinion - 4 Spider gears
* JDM 300zx Manual = R200 3.545:1 open 39 tooth Ring gear 11 tooth Pinion - 2 Spider gears
* JDM 200Z ZS ZG Manual and Auto = R200 4.111:1 open 37 tooth Ring gear 9 tooth Pinion - 2 spider gears
* JDM 200ZR Manual = R200 4.375:1 viscous LSD 35 tooth Ring gear 8 tooth Pinion - 4 spider gears
* JDM 200ZR Auto = R200 4.625:1 viscous LSD 37 tooth Ring gear 8 tooth Pinion - 4 spider gears
* JDM 300ZR Manual and Auto = R200 4.111:1 clutch LSD - 37 tooth Ring gear - 9 tooth Pinion - 4 spider gears

USDM Cars only *Only 87 Turbo cars made after 04/87 had a LSD. Before this, they were open differentials. Canada did not get a LSD until the 88 model year.

USDM Cars only ** Only available in the 1988 Shiro model

On the Limited slip differentials a finned rear cover was added from the factory. This is a usual dead giveaway of a LSD in a Z31 in the USDM.

EURO market cars Sold in Europe had an external Differential Oil Cooler installed. This Consisted of an Electric pump, Oil Cooler, and lines as well as a Temperature switch.

=== Driveshaft Yoke/Flange ===

There were two different Yokes that were used on the Z31 models depending on years. Early Models had a rectangular flange and bolt pattern and the Late models had a circular flange with a square bolt pattern.

![](images/Differential/Diff-flanges.jpg)

=== Diff Fluid Recommendations USDM: ===

* R200 - 3-7/8 pt.
* Open diff: API GL-5
* Clutch diff: API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90 approved for Nissan LSD
* Viscous LSD: API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90

=== Diff Fluid Recommendations EURO: ===

Location of Sale |
Oil Capacity - Liters ( IMP PT) |
Oil Type |
Europe |
2.1 (3 3/4)
|
API GL-5
|
Middle East |
1.8 (3 1/8)
|
API GL-5
|
Other |
1.3 (2 1/4)
|
API GL-5
|

=== Sources used on this page: ===

* [https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/FSM.html 1984-1989 Nissan 300ZX USDM Factory Service Manual]
* [https://dev.z31library.com/xenonzcar_archive/z31/FSM.html EURO Market Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual]- 1984 Nissan Fairlady Z Product Brochure
* 1987 Nissan Fairlady Z Product Brochure

[[Category:Imported from Xenonzcar]]