Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I seem to remember that the 310 rear assembly is narrower than the 311. Is this true? I have an opportunity to purchase a 311 assembly needed for my '64, but I don't know if it would work.

Yes, the 310 rear end is narrower than the later 1600 cars. How much I do not recall. An inch, two inches?? Sid, you out there? I am fairly certain a later rearend will fit. I am pulling the entire body off of a '65 spl310 and putting it on a '69 2 liter frame. Let me know if you find out otherwise as I may have to alter my plans.

Steve

I don't recall the specs, but I am fairly certain that the 310 rear end is about 2 inches or so WIDER than the 311 rear. The 1500s have a different offset on the wheels (they look like front wheel drive wheels if you compare them) and that is how they ended up with narrower track. I know of a Roadster guy with an early 1600 that has a 1500 rear end in it, and he cannot fit custom wheels to his car as a result as even the normal slotted mags hit the fenders. They can be swapped as complete units. The driveshafts may have some issues - I don't recall though. You can put the 1600 rear end in a 1500 and it will fit fine, but the wheels will look like they are set deeper in the wheel wells.

To make things even more confusing, they are both H190 rear ends, but from what I know almost nothing interchanges internally....

Ok.... what about the '65? Does it have the wider or narrower rear?

All 1500 rear ends should be the same width, and all 1600/2000 rear ends should be the same width. If you want a 1500 rear end, you should consider buying the remains of the car on Ebay. Auction number 2471034373 as it has the rear end you need, plus you can make a trailer out of the back half!

I thought '65s were closer to the 311s than 310s?

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The thing is, I'm not sure if it's a 1500 or 1600 as there is no VIN plate.

If it turns out being a 1600, can anything be done to make the diff work on my 64?

The VIN is stamped on the drivers side of the frame on all roadsters. It is kind of close to the steering box on the flat surface of the frame. You may have to scrub some grease/road debri to be able to read it but it is there. Of course if the body has been swapped at one time that will do you little good. At least you would have a VIN #.

Steve

If there are drum brakes on the front, there is a 99.99% chance it is a 1500. If there are disc, then it could be either. Other clues would be to check the rear bumper. The 1500 rear bumpers had a squared off hole for the license light while the 1600/2000 bumpers had round holes. Those are an easy change though. If I recall correctly, the most forward crossmember on the 1500 frame is bigger (wider) than the 1600s and 2000s.

I just took a leap of faith and told the seller that I would be interested in the rear end. If it doesn't work out I figure I can always get it rebuilt & put in the '68

I hope it works out. You should consider getting that roller on Ebay as it would give you a spare and the price is right! If it were near me, I would be getting it.

I would have gotten it except I don't have the room for another car...