The R200 differential in your Nissan comes in shortnose and longnose versions. People can mix these up! Now is the time to clear up any confusion you might have about these two types.
Your car's performance and long-term durability depend on which R200 differential you're running. Each one works with power differently too. The shortnose and longnose versions won't manage the same amount of torque. They don't always work well with the same parts.
So what makes these two unique? Well - that's what we're here to talk about!
Table of Contents
Shortnose Differential
The compact shortnose R200 differential packs great power into its small and tough frame. You can see that it has a 200mm ring gear that weighs just 72 pounds. This makes it slightly lighter than the longnose version.
Most of the shortnose R200s you find feature a 30-spline input shaft and 6-bolt output flanges. Some models use 5-bolt output flanges instead. You might have a hard time tracking down compatible CV adapters for these units.
The standard shortnose R200 shows off an awesome Viscous Limited Slip Differential that kicks in whenever the wheels start spinning. You can adjust its response time by changing the fluid inside.
This great differential appears in high-performance vehicles. You'll find it in everything from the sporty 240SX to the classic R32 Skyline and the sleek 350Z. The Infinity Q45 and 300ZX models also depend on this unit.
The shortnose design works because of its compact size. Even though it's shorter, you won't lose any power or strength. This small diff has some serious muscle.
Your shortnose R200 proves itself during intense driving. The standard setup can manage up to 400 lb/ft of torque right away. With properly tuned VLSD settings, you can push those numbers even higher.
The compact design makes this differential perfect for custom projects. You'll love how it works with different suspension setups. Plus it fits well with aftermarket T3 parts.
The internal parts share some similarities with the longnose version. You can actually swap a shortnose LSD center into a longnose housing. Just remember that parts like the crown wheel and pinion need to match their original type.
The shortnose has precise measurements. You'll work with a 35mm surface seal alongside a 33mm oil circulation segment.
Longnose Differential
The longnose R200 differential weighs in at 76 pounds and packs some serious muscle under its hood. Inside you'll find a massive 200mm ring gear that works with tons of power like it's nothing. You can choose from useful gear ratios like 4.375 and 4.62.
A great Japanese sports car from the 1970s probably had one of these great machines installed. Look for it in memorable classics like the 260Z 2+2 and 280Z models or even the later S130 and Z31 chassis cars!
One look at the name tells you exactly what makes this differential. It has that stretched-out nose housing. This longer design works from the shortnose version and changes how your suspension and CV axles work together.
Your car will manage the weight distribution better since that longer housing gives extra support right where you need it.
The longnose and shortnose versions come with 6-bolt output flanges for hooking up your axles. You can find the same spline count no matter which model you check. Just remember though - those shaft measurements aren't identical between versions!
The longnose R200 can give you some opportunities to tinker and upgrade. You can swap in some LSD centers from shortnose models if you want to. Just make sure you match up those crown wheel and pinion combinations well.
Classic Z-car setups depend on this differential for a reason. You can throw all kinds of power at it and it'll keep going strong. Even in modified builds it rarely becomes the weak point. Car enthusiasts love this version because they can now access gear ratios that shortnose models don't offer.
These differentials are very popular on the market. They're especially looked for in restoration projects. You'll find them all over the classic Japanese car community. If you're building a street cruiser or track monster the longnose R200 keeps proving why it's a trusted choice.
Design Differences Between Shortnose and Longnose
When you look at your Nissan R200 differential, you can see two main versions - shortnose and longnose! The change shows in the length of the nose section on the housing. This design change affects how each one performs in your vehicle.
Classic Nissan and Datsun models from the 70s and 80s usually use longnose R200s. You can find these in your 260Z or 280Z and early 300ZX. Since the nose is longer, you can achieve more flexibility to adjust your pinion angle by adding shims.
More modern models like your 240SX and R32 Skyline and 350Z came with the shortnose version instead. The mounting setup is different too - you'll drop about 4 pounds of weight. Shortnose weighs 72 pounds while longnose tips the scale at 76 pounds. Modern suspension systems work with this compact design.
Looking inside these differentials shows some parts compatibility. You have the option to fit a shortnose LSD center into your longnose housing. Just remember that your crown wheel and pinion need to match well or you'll run into issues.
Output shafts aren't always identical between versions either. Some of your shortnose models pack 5-bolt output flanges. Others run with 6-bolt designs - something to think about when shopping around for CV joint adapters or other drivetrain parts.
Watch out for those half-shaft differences too. Your shortnose R200 might come with either 29 or 30 splines. Don't assume you can just pop these into a longnose housing. You'll probably end up dealing with leaky seals and other problems.
The crown wheel setup brings another change. Your shortnose R200 crown wheel has more teeth compared to what's in a longnose version. Mixing these parts between versions will hurt your gear setup completely.
As for crown wheel bolts, older longnose models started with smaller 10mm bolts. Later versions stepped up to stronger and beefier 12mm bolts. Working with an older unit means you need to add spacers to properly fit newer differential centers.
Installation Tips
When you install an R200 differential you'll need to take this process slow. You have to match the correct differential type to your specific car model before starting. Shortnose and longnose versions need their own specific mounting points and setups.
Your older model like the 280ZX probably came with a longnose R200 that has an extended nose section. The mounting locations were completely different back then too. You'll see that the shortnose version appears in newer vehicles like the Z32 300ZX and similar models. These changes affect how each type will fit in your car.
When you swap between shortnose and longnose setups you'll need some custom work. You might end up making brand new mounts from scratch or modifying your existing ones. The hardware is completely different too. The longnose differentials need M10 bolts while shortnose ones need M12 bolts.
Your driveshaft length plays a big part in making the parts work together. A shortnose conversion usually means that you'll need a longer driveshaft to make everything fit right. You should also look at your axle setup closely. Picking unsuitable parts can give you problems like poor engagement or oil leaks.
Check those spline counts for your setup. You can usually find 30 splines on shortnose differentials and 29 on longnose ones. Mixing these up will cause problems later on. Taking time to verify these numbers before starting can save you lots of frustration.
Most differential swaps will need some custom fabrication work. You might need to create some spacers to manage the different bolt sizes. The mounting points usually need some adjustments too so everything aligns well.
Your LSD center set affects how the whole installation progresses. VLSD setups need specific plug-in axles to work right. For CLSD installations, you could use your original axles if the spline counts match up. Make sure you verify these specifications before buying any parts.
The different nose lengths can affect your driveshaft alignment in unexpected ways. You'll usually need to adjust your driveshaft angle or create custom pieces to get everything fitting right.
Maintenance and Durability
You need to change your R200 differential's fluid every 30,000 miles to keep it running. Your maintenance schedule should be more frequent if you hit the track or drive aggressively.
These R200 differentials are very tough and reliable pieces of equipment. You can push them pretty hard and up to about 400 lb-ft of torque without any problems. Since shortnose and longnose versions share the same internal parts you'll get identical rock-solid performance no matter which one you have.
For VLSD-equipped differentials, stay on top of the maintenance requirements. These units like to heat up quite a bit during track days. Regular fluid changes will keep your VLSD running like new for years to come.
Those differential mounting bolts need your attention too. You can find more adjustment options with the longnose version's mount. This might make your alignment work a bit harder. But you'll end up with much better control over your final setup.
The small weight change between the versions barely affects maintenance planning. The shortnose weighs in at 72 pounds while the longnose is 76 pounds. This small change won't affect wear patterns or service intervals at all.
Your output shaft seals deserve some regular inspection too. Any fluid leaking out means dirt and moisture can sneak their way in. Once these unwanted visitors get inside your differential housing your internal parts will wear out way faster than they should.
Keep an eye out for any warning signs around those mounting locations - especially if you run high-performance modifications. Strange noises or unusual vibrations shouldn't be ignored. Get your differential checked right away before small problems turn into serious ones.
For enthusiasts running aftermarket LSDs from KAAZ or CUSCO, you should follow specific setup and break-in procedures. These units need more regular fluid changes during the break-in period. After that's done, you can maintain them just like you would a stock differential.
The Right Differential for Your Vehicle
You can make your choice between the shortnose and longnose R200 differentials based on your car and driving style. You'll mostly see the longnose R200s in those 1987-1989 300ZXT models. The newer Z32 300ZX came with the shortnose version. Each option will change your ride in different ways.
Racers pick the longnose R200 since it comes with an extremely tough and clutch-based limited-slip differential that can manage serious abuse. You can now fine-tune the pinion angle with some shims too. This feature helps you get your setup exactly right.
The shortnose R200 fits well if you're after a more comfortable ride. Its viscous limited-slip differential needs less maintenance and less adjustments. Just remember that intense track days could be too much for it to manage. Plus it's a physically smaller unit than the longnose.
The installation of either differential can be quite hard. The longnose usually means you'll need to work on those CV joints and might add some spacers. With the shortnose, you might need longer output shafts. You'll also need to watch out for that ABS sensor placement.
A cool feature of the longnose R200 is its tough 4-pinion design. This setup is way more tough than standard 2-pinion designs. For aggressive driving or big power upgrades you'll see this extra strength.
The availability of parts and costs should shape your choice too. The Z32 shortnose R200s are pretty scarce and expensive. The longnose appears more frequently in the marketplace. You'll likely need extra parts for installation. So take a good look at what's available in your area.
Here's an interesting detail about these differentials - they can work together in some cases. You can actually fit a shortnose differential center into a longnose housing. Just be sure to match your crown wheel and pinion the right way. This flexibility might save you some problems later on.
The mounting configuration differs between these differentials too. You get more adjustment space with the longnose. But it'll need extra room. The shortnose keeps a compact design but might need mounting services. Your existing setup will point you toward the right choice.
Build Your Dream Car
The perfect differential for your Z-car means what makes shortnose and longnose R200s different. You'll need to look at how each one works with your setup and matches your driving style. You should also think about which differential best fits your vision for the build.
Your Z-car's performance comes down to how well the parts can work together as a team. And the differential plays a giant role. When you upgrade multiple parts at once it makes sense for your classic restoration or custom build. Z-car fans have learned this lesson the hard way. When you choose to upgrade a few parts together you'll end up saving time and effort.
At Skillard, we have spent years figuring out what Z-car enthusiasts need for their dream builds. We have spent years perfecting our make. Our parts are made to work well with different differential setups. You can look at options for your build - from custom bumpers and aluminum door cards to spoilers and sleek center consoles.
Ready to make your Z-car dreams come true? Head over to Skillard.com and check out our lineup of custom Datsun parts!
