Need Advice on Next Mod - Switching Out a C200K with a M226 Axle Assy.

Stingingfork

Test Drive
I have less than 92,000 miles on my 2008 Xterra X 2WD V6 but while installing new rear brakes my mechanic told me I had problems with my axle gears (they were making a clicking sound as he rolled the wheel) and said that sometime in the near future I would need to purchase a re-manufactured rear axle assy or have a local axle shop rebuild the current on which I was told was the C200K and then finding out that the parts for that model was extremely high due to having to purchase those parts from Nissan would cost just about as much to rebuild as it would to purchase the whole axle assy from Nissan. There parts guy said the full assy cost is around $3,000+ with only a 12 months, 12,000 mile warranty.
I went on the look for a M226 assy and found what I believe is one located out of town since the 2011 2WD it's coming off of came with the "off road package" and per the Nissan parts guy as well as the axle shop they said it should be the M226.
Ok, with that said, what I need to know is if any one on this forum has done a Mod like this and should it be a simple plug and play or will I hit some road blocks along the way. I've thought about the sensor plug and asked for the 2011 seller to leave all electrical plugs on with some extra wiring in case the plugs are different but beyond that I'm not sure just what to prepare for, the seller listed his as a 3.13 ratio but I'm not sure what mine is and based on my VIN the Nissan Parts guy couldn't tell me either. I guess if the ratio is different I will have to cross that bridge when I get to it but for now I'm hoping the gear ratio will be the same.
So if anyone that has gone through this type of swap and could advise me on what issues I need to prepare for I would be extremely grateful.
The 2011 seller lists the actual mileage as 44,844 but if I ever need to have this M226 rebuilt somewhere down the road the Axle Shop said they could do the entire re-build for about $1200 which sounds much better than having to deal with re-build or replacing the C200K.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
I am open to being corrected but I think a 2WD is not gonna be a M226*

A quick visual identification is to count the bolts on the diff cover. C200K will have 8, M226 will have 12.

There was no "Off Road" package on a 2WD 2011 Xterra. Off Road was a trim level from '05 to '10 that was later named Pro 4X from '11 to '15. With one weird exception back in '05(?) there are no 2WD "Off Road" Xterras

*unless it’s a manual transmission
 
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Stingingfork

Test Drive
Thanks for the feedback, I will get in touch with the seller and ask where he found his off-road package information that he advertised with this 2011 Xterra and as a quick check I will ask him to count the bolts on the cover... I was really hoping for the model M226 assy but if I understand your reply then the only Xterra's with the M226 would be on their 4WD's and if so then I guess I will still take his assy since from what I was told for a new or rebuild on the C200K would be in the $3000 range which is out of the question for me to afford at the moment. His odometer he posted a picture of shows at mileage at 44,844. I've got to drive 225 miles but for $330 for his rear end I guess I would still be getting a good deal...
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
Again I could be wrong, let's see if someone else chimes in, but for 4WD models I think it's:

M226 in OffRoad / Pro4X trim, and all Xterra trims with manual transmission
C200K in everything else (automatic trim levels of X, S, SE)

I don't know if 2WD follows that pattern or not.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Again I could be wrong, let's see if someone else chimes in, but for 4WD models I think it's:

M226 in OffRoad / Pro4X trim, and all Xterra trims with manual transmission
C200K in everything else (automatic trim levels of X, S, SE)

I don't know if 2WD follows that pattern or not.

It does.
 

meisanerd

Need Bigger Tires
There's a lot of people out there that slapped the Off Road or Pro4x badge on to the xterra to try to sell it for more.

I even saw one a couple months ago that had the Pro4X on the hatch, Off Road on the doors (spaced incorrectly), but was running the rims from an S. Not sure if someone got ripped off, or is just trying to be cool.
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
So what I'm hearing is that there would be no way of finding a M226 differential on a 2WD Xterra and all 2WD Xterra's have a C200K differential so converting my C200K to a M226 as long as I'm staying with my 2WD is pretty much impossible...
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
So what I'm hearing is that there would be no way of finding a M226 differential on a 2WD Xterra and all 2WD Xterra's have a C200K differential so converting my C200K to a M226 as long as I'm staying with my 2WD is pretty much impossible...
MT, P4X and OffRoad 2wd models have the M226.

The X, S, and SE packages with an Automatic came with the C200K. The 2wd version is like 2.93 gearing and the 4wd is 3.13.

It might be difficult to FIND a 2wd M226 BUT a 4wd M226 is identical. Finding the gearing you are wanting could be tricky. P4X Auto would be 3.36, MT X, S, and SE are 3.54 and MT P4X is 3.69.

I put the 3.69 diffs in my 07 S 4wd.
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
I just plugged in my 2008 Xterra X into thecarconnection.com and it showed: Final Drive Axle Ratio :)1) 3.13 so it would match the 4WD differential if I could ever find one but since his 2011 Xterra is an X trim package (based on his inside door sticker he posted with his VIN) I'm not sure how he came up with his listing it with an Off Road package.... I will be calling him once he gets off from work and quiz him about where he came up with the OR listing and then ask him to verify the number of bolts on the differential cover. You guys have been a big help in clearing up the muddy water for me...
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
I just plugged in my 2008 Xterra X into thecarconnection.com and it showed: Final Drive Axle Ratio :)1) 3.13 so it would match the 4WD differential if I could ever find one but since his 2011 Xterra is an X trim package (based on his inside door sticker he posted with his VIN) I'm not sure how he came up with his listing it with an Off Road package.... I will be calling him once he gets off from work and quiz him about where he came up with the OR listing and then ask him to verify the number of bolts on the differential cover. You guys have been a big help in clearing up the muddy water for me...

There is a field called "Trim" on the door sticker but it's not the Trim Level, it's the interior trim color FYI.
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
Do you have a picture of your door sticker?

TerryD I just took a pic of my 2008 door sticker and attached it on this reply. If you would like to see the one for the 2011 Xterra I'm getting the Differential from just let me know....
 

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ffxcores

[fully disclosed]
Supporting Member
Location
Virginia
The gearing wouldn’t matter if it’s going into a 2WD though, right? The gearing only has to be specific if you’re matching the front diff. If putting an M226 into a 4WD model that currently has the C200, you can’t do that unless the gearing matches, but if the receiving vehicle is 2WD you can put whatever rear you wanted in.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
I am open to being corrected but I think a 2WD is not gonna be a M226*

A quick visual identification is to count the bolts on the diff cover. C200K will have 8, M226 will have 12.

There was no "Off Road" package on a 2WD 2011 Xterra. Off Road was a trim level from '05 to '10 that was later named Pro 4X from '11 to '15. With one weird exception back in '05(?) there are no 2WD "Off Road" Xterras

*unless it’s a manual transmission
That is the caveat. All manual trucks have 226s in them. The non Pro4x/Off Road models are missing the locker.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
The gearing wouldn’t matter if it’s going into a 2WD though, right? The gearing only has to be specific if you’re matching the front diff. If putting an M226 into a 4WD model that currently has the C200, you can’t do that unless the gearing matches, but if the receiving vehicle is 2WD you can put whatever rear you wanted in.
True story.
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
There's a lot of people out there that slapped the Off Road or Pro4x badge on to the xterra to try to sell it for more.

I even saw one a couple months ago that had the Pro4X on the hatch, Off Road on the doors (spaced incorrectly), but was running the rims from an S. Not sure if someone got ripped off, or is just trying to be cool.
I bought my X, in S trim, advertised as an off-road. I've got a Carfax report showing it as an Off-road and I've heard somewhere in my search for answers that it may have been a trim pkg but the only thing it has that an Off-road does is the door badging.. different seat stitching pattern, 3.13 gearing, 265/70s, c200k, no downhill decent control, no fog lights, lower factory suspension...
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
TerryD I just took a pic of my 2008 door sticker and attached it on this reply. If you would like to see the one for the 2011 Xterra I'm getting the Differential from just let me know....
The CA29 at the bottom means your X has a C200K with 2.93 (2.96?) gears. My 2007 4x4 Auto S trim has CA31 there for the 3.13 geared C200K. Lots of websites list that wrong on the 4x2 models.

But since you only have one set of gears, you can use whatever you like. But sourcing driveshafts could be tricky. A 4x4 driveshaft won't work for you and if you swap to a M226 at stock ride height, you may have to have your rear shaft shortened to accommodate it.
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
The CA29 at the bottom means your X has a C200K with 2.93 (2.96?) gears. My 2007 4x4 Auto S trim has CA31 there for the 3.13 geared C200K. Lots of websites list that wrong on the 4x2 models.

But since you only have one set of gears, you can use whatever you like. But sourcing driveshafts could be tricky. A 4x4 driveshaft won't work for you and if you swap to a M226 at stock ride height, you may have to have your rear shaft shortened to accommodate it.

TerryD is there any data on the attached 2011 Door Sticker that would confirm the actual Differential it has?
 

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Stingingfork

Test Drive
TerryD, the seller just responded to me concerning his Off Road status for his Xterra. He sent me the attached Carfax that states "Off Road/S/SE" for his 2011 Xterra but this doesn't make a lot of sense based on what I've read on this forum today so I asked him to send me a video when he gets a chance of his differential and mentioned that if it is truly an Off Road model he should count 12 bolts on the differential cover. It will be interesting to see how this plays out... I still plan on using whatever model differential he has but originally I had hoped that it was a M226 on his 2WD Xterra.
 

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Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
TerryD, the seller just responded to me concerning his Off Road status for his Xterra. He sent me the attached Carfax that states "Off Road/S/SE" for his 2011 Xterra but this doesn't make a lot of sense based on what I've read on this forum today so I asked him to send me a video when he gets a chance of his differential and mentioned that if it is truly an Off Road model he should count 12 bolts on the differential cover. It will be interesting to see how this plays out... I still plan on using whatever model differential he has but originally I had hoped that it was a M226 on his 2WD Xterra.
The only thing that tells me is that carfax can't properly decode Nissan VINs.

Take that VIN and plug it into NissanPartsDeal.com. That'll tell you exactly the trim of the truck and you can look at what the differential is based on the parts list.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I don't see the axle code on that sticker. And the parts place is saying a S package with an auto so that's gonna be another C200K.
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
Here's what I got:

2011 Nissan XterraVIN: 5N1AN0NU8BC524463

Wagon; 6 Cyl 4.0L; S; 5-Speed Automatic Transmission; Federal; Rear-Wheel Drive

Definitely not a 226. It's another C200.

Prime, thanks for the clarification. I pulled the VIN on the Nissan Parts Deal site as you did and see that the Final Drive Type is the C200K. Is there anywhere that I can go to nail down the actual Final Drive Ratio for the C200K Differential? I'm assuming that all C200K's would be the same ratio but I'm just guessing. The seller I'm dealing with listed his as 3.13 but since he also stated his as being classified "Off Road" due to his CarFax I know I can't rely on that alone. I found another site while googliing at Automotivetechinfo and it stated "Understanding Nissan Differential Gear Ratios":
Knowing which differential a vehicle is equipped with will narrow down the potential gear ratios and make ordering parts considerably easier. C200 A fairly common rear differential in many Nissan Frontiers and Xterras, the C200 has a 200mm ring gear, fully enclosed axles, and quite a few different possible gear ratios. It can be identified by its removable rear cover that is symmetrical and has 8 bolts securing it to the differential case. Equipped gear ratios include 2.937, 3.133, 3.357, 3.916, 4.083, 4.363, and 4.625.

Totally confusing to me! If there is a different ratio between my C200K and the seller's C200K would I have a potential issue with my odometer reading correctly?
 

Stingingfork

Test Drive
I don't see the axle code on that sticker. And the parts place is saying a S package with an auto so that's gonna be another C200K.

I totally agree once I was able to use the seller's VIN and I went to NissanPartsDeal.com that "Prime" had mentioned but I'm still uncertain about a possibility of having different final gear ratio's between my C200K and the seller's. I was hoping that all C200K's would be the same ratio but from another third party site I mentioned to Prime on my last post to him it gets more confusing...
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
2wd C200K axles are all 2.93. Why Nissan decides that the 2wd would be 2.93 and the 4wd 3.13 I have no idea.

BUT, not having to match an existing front differential gear ratio, you can use what you want or can find. The speedo is driven off of wheel speed using the ABS sensors rather than the transmission output like more conventional vehicles.

3.13 would give you a lower gearing and a little more pep. If you are not going to modify the vehicle beyond that and stick with factory sized tires, that would be a good step.

If you are planning on going up in tire size to say 285s, the Auto P4X/Off Road M226 axle with 3.36 gears and the locker would be a good fit. Or even the Manual transmission X, S, SE M226 with 3.54 gears. Unless you are planning on going with steel bumpers and armor or 315 size tires, I think the 3.69 Manual Transmission P4X/Off Road axle would be too deep and could hurt your highway fuel economy more than help it.

But these are my personal opinions so you have to do what you feel comfortable with.
 
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Stingingfork

Test Drive
2wd C200K axles are all 2.93. Why Nissan decides that the 2wd would be 2.93 and the 4wd 3.13 I have no idea.

BUT, not having to match an existing front differential gear ratio, you can use what you want or can find. The speedo is driven off of wheel speed using the ABS sensors rather than the transmission output like more conventional vehicles.

3.13 would give you a lower gearing and a little more pep. If you are not going to modify the vehicle beyond that and stick with factory sized tires, that would be a good step.

If you are planning on going up in tire size to say 285s, the Auto P4X/Off Road M226 axle with 3.36 gears and the locker would be a good fit. Or even the Manual transmission X, S, SE M226 with 3.54 gears. Unless you are planning on going with steel bumpers and armor or 315 size tires, I think the 3.69 Manual Transmission P4X/Off Road axle would be too deep and could hurt your highway fuel economy more than help it.

But these are my personal opinions so you have to do what you feel comfortable with.


Thanks Terry, it's obvious that based on the Seller's VIN no. on the Nissan Parts site that I'm dealing with someone who knows as little about his Differential and vehicle as I knew about mine until I asked for help on this Xterra site. He purchased it recently from a Salvage sale and with both sides dented in he planned on having it repaired at his body shop but found out the cost would have been more than its' worth so he is selling it off piece by piece.
You guys have been Awesome on providing me with details about the C200K as well as the M226 that I can go forward with. As I mentioned earlier I will go ahead and pick up the seller's differential next weekend and have my mechanic swap it out for me.
My current differential had a clicking sound when the mechanic put his ear up against the differential cover and spun the wheel. He advised me that it was in the early stages of going bad and I needed to have it rebuilt sometime in the near future. I've always been anal and pro-active with my vehicle maintenance of both my Xterra and my F250 diesel truck and I really appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that his C200K would have a final drive gear ratio of 2.93, the same as my old one so no change in fuel economy.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Thanks Terry, it's obvious that based on the Seller's VIN no. on the Nissan Parts site that I'm dealing with someone who knows as little about his Differential and vehicle as I knew about mine until I asked for help on this Xterra site. He purchased it recently from a Salvage sale and with both sides dented in he planned on having it repaired at his body shop but found out the cost would have been more than its' worth so he is selling it off piece by piece.
You guys have been Awesome on providing me with details about the C200K as well as the M226 that I can go forward with. As I mentioned earlier I will go ahead and pick up the seller's differential next weekend and have my mechanic swap it out for me.
My current differential had a clicking sound when the mechanic put his ear up against the differential cover and spun the wheel. He advised me that it was in the early stages of going bad and I needed to have it rebuilt sometime in the near future. I've always been anal and pro-active with my vehicle maintenance of both my Xterra and my F250 diesel truck and I really appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that his C200K would have a final drive gear ratio of 2.93, the same as my old one so no change in fuel economy.
Glad we could help. Feel free to stick around!
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
Thanks Terry, it's obvious that based on the Seller's VIN no. on the Nissan Parts site that I'm dealing with someone who knows as little about his Differential and vehicle as I knew about mine until I asked for help on this Xterra site. He purchased it recently from a Salvage sale and with both sides dented in he planned on having it repaired at his body shop but found out the cost would have been more than its' worth so he is selling it off piece by piece.
You guys have been Awesome on providing me with details about the C200K as well as the M226 that I can go forward with. As I mentioned earlier I will go ahead and pick up the seller's differential next weekend and have my mechanic swap it out for me.
My current differential had a clicking sound when the mechanic put his ear up against the differential cover and spun the wheel. He advised me that it was in the early stages of going bad and I needed to have it rebuilt sometime in the near future. I've always been anal and pro-active with my vehicle maintenance of both my Xterra and my F250 diesel truck and I really appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that his C200K would have a final drive gear ratio of 2.93, the same as my old one so no change in fuel economy.
Right on, glad you received a bit of education. Like @TerryD said, stick around, this is a great brotherhood around here.
 

CocoLoco74

Bought an X
Location
Virginia
This was a great topic, thank you all. Would it be ok to ask if there is any other links to inform on other possibilities for rear ends? I am trying to consider worst case scenarios. I have A trans as well if that goes, would a frontier gear or titan great be an easy alternative? Goal most bang for the buck. For more fun still being driven daily; eventually explore off road a bit. Not there yet unfortunately.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Another option I've seen swapped into the 2nd Gen is a Ford 8.8. They're bulletproof. You need to do shock mounts and spring perches, but it's a great axle.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Another option I've seen swapped into the 2nd Gen is a Ford 8.8. They're bulletproof. You need to do shock mounts and spring perches, but it's a great axle.
How did they keep the ABS/Speedo/cruise control/ect working? I didn't think any of the 8.8s had the individual abs speed sensors?

Honestly, a P4X M226 is the best bang for your buck if you're not trying to go big like @Prime with the full on Titan swap.

If you don't have the tools to regear and want better gearing on 33s and a locker, $1000-$1500 for a P4X M226 is a steal. I opted for 3.69 gearing from a MT version for the lowest stock gearing I could find. I paid $1100 for the pair, but did have a swap an axle shaft as the flange on my pass side shaft was bent by the yard moving the donor axle.

Buying the stuff to regear and lock about any axle is gonna be over $1000 + labor and on a 4x4, that's about 2x as much because you gotta match the front.

IMO, a M226 >> 8.8.
8.8 Cons:
Wrong width
Wrong wheel pattern
M226 axle diameter 1.366 vs 8.8's 1.32"
M226 32 spline vs BIG 8.8 being 31 (not a huge diff but still)
And then you have to try and match our oddball gear ratios OR have both your diffs regeared to a more standard ratio like 3.73, 4.10, 4.56 ect unless you hunt out a X/S/SE MT R180 with 3.54 in which case you could use a 3.55 8.8.

My personal feeling, and how I kinda wish I had done it myself, would be get the 3.54 X/S/SE MT M226 and matching front diff and throw lunchbox lockers in them both. It would have been about the same price overall but then I wouldn't have to deal with the unequal length axle shafts and not feel like I'm stuck with the e-locker if I drop ratios to 4.10 or 4.56.
 
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