RE4F04A swap with RE4F04V

*jordandalley* · 07-20-2008, 06:16 PM

Hi all,

I'm not sure if in the states you get this transmission - I know you get the LSD manual, but I'm not sure if you get the LSD Auto RE4F04V.

I had one on an old Cefiro I had in New Zealand. They have Japanese imports there and theyre not hard to find with LSD.

I've since moved to Australia where there are no imported Cefiros, and only Maximas which only have the RE4F04A (Non LSD) variant.

My dilemma is, that I have supercharged my current Maxima and the transmission hasnt lasted very long, and before you say "Manual Swap". Nope - not doing it - manuals are too hard to come by here.

So my question is, has anyone swapped a RE4F04A with a RE4F04V? Is it a direct swap? Or does it have different axle mounts/axle/splines etc like the manual?

Or... would I be better rebuilding the one I have (which slips occasionally) and getting an aftermarket LSD kit installed? Any recommendations?

Cheers if you can help.

MDeezy · 07-20-2008, 07:01 PM

I'll give it a try....

I know in the US majority of the transmission are open diff (non-lsd), its hard to come by with a tranny with an LSD (really a VSLD) and those have a different driver side axles than those with a non-lsd tranny.

I'm not sure if you've removed your axles before and/or have a way of comparing two axles to see if they are the same. If you're in the same boat as us here you would need a new driver side axles if you went with a non-lsd tranny. Best bet would be to have the current one you have rebuilt.

*jordandalley* · 07-20-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDeezy

Best bet would be to have the current one you have rebuilt.

If that's the case, then are there any recommendations for LSD upgrade kits? I've heard there are a few around - some good, some not so good.

My experience with transmissions is nil. I'd end up getting someone else to do it.

MDeezy · 07-20-2008, 07:10 PM

my transmission experience is limited also. from what I've heard our LSD options are slim to none. Most try to find a VLSD tranny and install that. Some used to purchase the LSD and have it installed but I dont know if there is anywhere that still makes them or would be willing to make one for us (without killing out pockets)

*jordandalley* · 07-20-2008, 08:23 PM

Anyone tried a Quaife LSD?

Blackmax1924 · 07-20-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

Anyone tried a Quaife LSD?

I am not 100% sure on this so if someone could confirm this...but I believe the quaife's are only for the 5 speed manual maximas, so that would rule that out....

Again I am not completely sure so you might want to double check with someone more noligible before you throw that idea aside.

*grey99max* · 07-20-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

Hi all,

So my question is, has anyone swapped a RE4F04A with a RE4F04V? Is it a direct swap? Or does it have different axle mounts/axle/splines etc like the manual?

Cheers if you can help.

I've done it - about three years ago I got a '99 I30t RE4F0AV VLSD for my '99 max, and went racing - still have the same transmission installed. I run Mobil1 oil and two oil coolers, use the DR mod and my custom-built shifter when I tracked the car - a lot, two years ago. Now the same tranny is installed on a modded 3.5 L motor and it's still working great - back of a 2800-stall Edge TC.

Only the driver's side axle needs to be changed - they are different, but you can get rebuilds from most major auto parts places. The splines are different.

I have a spare in the garage - it's from a '01 AE Maxima - same transmission. I like the "4V" -it's tough and quick, and has taken was too much abuse in my car, but still spins the slicks and makes a great daily driver. And it's going racing again... Even some 2002 Altima 3.5s had this transmission.

.

*jordandalley* · 07-20-2008, 09:28 PM

grey99max - I know what you mean about tough. I had a 4V with a TC and VB mod done and it was quick and took heaps of punishment.

Maybe this is what I need to do. I'll need to find a 4V somewhere in Australia but I doubt there are any. I'll probably need to import from New Zealand or Japan.

*grey99max* · 07-20-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

grey99max - I know what you mean about tough. I had a 4V with a TC and VB mod done and it was quick and took heaps of punishment.

Maybe this is what I need to do. I'll need to find a 4V somewhere in Australia but I doubt there are any. I'll probably need to import from New Zealand or Japan.

Good luck - the 4V is a tough bastid - everything except the driver's axle is a direct swap, The axles are available from various sources, including RAxles for tough ones. If you can locate one.... use car-part.com to find different donor cars, at least in the US....

*jordandalley* · 07-20-2008, 10:10 PM

Yeah I wish it were that simple here. Thanks for the heads up, now at least I know what I need to do.

A32AusMax · 07-20-2008, 11:08 PM

what about a kaaz or cusco or nismo aftermarket?

do any of these companies make one, or would they specially make one?

*jordandalley* · 07-21-2008, 12:01 AM

it doesnt appear that those companies make an LSD for the Maxima... Nismo never did make anything for a maxima...

*KRRZ350* · 07-21-2008, 07:40 AM

Just for the record, VLSD auto's are a dime a dozen compared to 5-speed ones, and most of the same "rules" apply-- All '99 I30's, All I30T's, and with the Auto's the majority of regular I30's also came equipped with the $800 "traction enhancement package" that consisted of a 4V

*grey99max* · 07-21-2008, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRRZ350

Just for the record, VLSD auto's are a dime a dozen compared to 5-speed ones, and most of the same "rules" apply-- All '99 I30's, All I30T's, and with the Auto's the majority of regular I30's also came equipped with the $800 "traction enhancement package" that consisted of a 4V

And the 2001 AE automatics as well... I wonder what the Canadian junkyards have lying about, since I understand most of the Maximas sold in Canada had VLSD ...

*jordandalley* · 07-31-2008, 05:53 PM

I found a RE4F04V transmission in New Zealand for $525 AUD. Not a bad price. Shipping to Australia should cost a bit though. Does anyone know how much the transmission weighs? I'm talking international freight. They'll probably charge me another $500 for that at least!

Ok.. so just making sure. What I need to come with this transmission is the passengers side (Yes we drive RHD cars over here) cv axle? and thats it? No other little bits and pieces I need to add to the list before I import?

Thanks guys

*KRRZ350* · 07-31-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

I found a RE4F04V transmission in New Zealand for $525 AUD. Not a bad price. Shipping to Australia should cost a bit though. Does anyone know how much the transmission weighs? I'm talking international freight. They'll probably charge me another $500 for that at least!

Ok.. so just making sure. What I need to come with this transmission is the passengers side (Yes we drive RHD cars over here) cv axle? and thats it? No other little bits and pieces I need to add to the list before I import?

Thanks guys

Is the whole drivetrain really reversed! That's nuts!

In for the answer from someone who knoew the exact weight of an A/T, I've never actually put one on a scale, my geuss is 194lb's dry, I've always been curious on that.

*jordandalley* · 07-31-2008, 10:56 PM

No.. the drivetrain is exactly the same as yours. It's because the drivers seat is on the other side of the car that the axle becomes on OUR passengers side. LOL.

As to the weight, i'll probably be able to tell you soon... in kg's though..

*grey99max* · 08-01-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

No.. the drivetrain is exactly the same as yours. It's because the drivers seat is on the other side of the car that the axle becomes on OUR passengers side. LOL.

As to the weight, i'll probably be able to tell you soon... in kg's though..

Just to be careful, get both axles - betcha the driver's side axle isn't reversed.....

*DandyMax* · 08-01-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grey99max

And the 2001 AE automatics as well... I wonder what the Canadian junkyards have lying about, since I understand most of the Maximas sold in Canada had VLSD ...

They in fact do...

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRRZ350

Is the whole drivetrain really reversed! That's nuts!

In for the answer from someone who knoew the exact weight of an A/T, I've never actually put one on a scale, my geuss is 194lb's dry, I've always been curious on that.

I doubt it's that much... closer to 100 lbs I think... I just had one out a few days ago when I was doing a DEK swap but I didn't weigh it.. It's definitely heavier than the 5MT though.

*jordandalley* · 08-03-2008, 10:22 PM

DandyMax.. next time you pass through Townsville, wanna give me a hand putting it in? Free accomodation and Australian beer for your efforts!

lol

*DandyMax* · 08-04-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordandalley

DandyMax.. next time you pass through Townsville, wanna give me a hand putting it in? Free accomodation and Australian beer for your efforts!

lol

Hope you don't need it right away then because who knows when I'll be back there..

(not that I wouldn't like to go back but no immediate plans...)

furbiss112 · 08-05-2008, 09:56 AM

The auto trans is between 90 to 110 pounds. I know since I almost sent my built trans to Norway and had to weigh it. Ship weight was 135 lb with the crate I built for it. Shipping from Chicago, US to Norway came out to $660. Hope that helps.

Ferhan