Are the front and rear differentials on our X's just standard open differentials? I'm guessing they are not limited slip, but I want some other people to confirm this for me. Tried searching, no luck for this. I'm basically trying to find out if I need to use fluid with or without friction modifiers for the differentials and transfer case.

 

I thought I read at one point that the front diff is an electromagnetic clutch of some sort. I would think the rear would be the same as the standard sedan.. no?

When the front clutch is open, all the torque goes to the back (like a non awd sedan) but when the front clutch is engaged it takes torque away from the back, thus giving the X the ability to have up to 50% up front, leaving 50 for the back.... Its definitely not like a Subaru's awd system, symetrical whatever they call it.

 

The rear diff is open for sure...

 

Can't you just an oil with a friction modifier regardless?
If you have an open diff it won't hurt anything, right?
And if you have a limited slip diff it's the right fluid.

I'm about to do the GF's car for the 30K service and figured I'd look for a 75W-90 and add a modifier if needed, but I don't think it is.

 

off the topic but is the g35x all time 4 wheel drive?

 

yes

 

No way.
I 4wd is full power to both axles, not a split like AWD.
Even then differing versions of AWD get power to the front or rear axles differently.
From there I believe they have open axles, that the wheel with the least traction gets power, but ABS and traction control helps limit slippage to give the wheel with more traction some grip.

 

Yes, you can use an oil with the friction modifier regardless. That's what I ended up doing. I just went with the Redline 75W90 and it has been fine. Here is a response I got from Red Line also:

Name : XXXXX
>Email Address : XXXXXX
>Address :
>Address 2:
>City :
>State :
>Zip :
>Make : Infiniti
>Model : G35X
>Year : 2004
>Engine Type : VQ35DE (3.5L)
>Differential Size/Type : Rear:Nissan R200 (Open) Front:Nissan F160A (Open)
>Transmission Type: 5 Speed Automatic
>Issues : N/A
>Recommendations : I am looking at what the best fluids would be for
>my differentials and transfer case. For the differentials, is the
>75W90 or 75W90NS the preferred? Also, for the transfer case Nissan
>recommends Nissan Matic D ATF, which I do not see any equivalents in
>your ATF guide. It does say you can use Dexron III/Mercon though.
>Basically I would like to know which is better with the transfer
>case: Your D4 ATF or D6 ATF. Any help would be appreciated.

XXXXX,

Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, in your Infiniti differentials
I would recommend the 75W90 and the D4ATF in the transfer case.
The 75W90 is prefered in the differentials as it contains a friction
modifier for friction and temperature reduction. The D4 is a suitable
replacement for the Nissanmatic D fluid, the D6ATF is a lower
viscosity.

Regards, Dave
Red Line Oil

 

Way back when I bought mine, I read somewhere...


0-15mph its 40% front, 60% rear
after ~15mph its 100% rear unless slip is detected

snow mode: 50/50% split at all time with throttle sensitivity reduced (no gear limited)

 

what would happen If you do limited slip differential on the AWD rear ? lol

 

I LOVE my 05 X. The AWD function works as follows:

From start, power is distributed 25% F 75% rear to 12 MPH, then 100% rear. Any time that the system detects slip on one axle, it can instantly transfer available torque between front and rear axles, in any ratio required, up to a maximum of 50% to the front axle. It uses the ABS/VSC to individually brake spinning wheels as needed.

Snow mode locks torque distribution at start up, to 50/50 up to 12 MPH, and then back to 100% rwd until slip is detected, and then transfers the torque between front and rear as in the first scenario. The snow button also retards throttle response for smoother starts with less spinning.

When I was looking at AWD cars in 2005, the ATTESA AWD system was totally unique in this class of cars. Living in MN, I have found it to be perfect for summer and winter.

 

then you would have the 2008 G35X with the sport package they have a limited slip on the AWD

 

Mmmm Sounds teasing lol


How would that benefit me? Cause i dont lose traction even if i was to launch it without the fuse. Unless Its in water, then I whip around like a 03Cobra lol

 

the 04-06 models have open in the rear and LSD in the front.

when the skyline had the same AWD system with LSD in front and rear it was designated ATTESSA-ETS PRO

 

I am pretty sure the front differential on the G35X is open also. I do not have access to my service manual at the moment (home for christmas), but it does talk about the front differential in there and 95% sure it states it is an open differential. To me it doesn't make much sense to put a LSD up front, but an open in the rear. That seems counter intuitive.