Nissan Cabstar Differential Replacement Parts

The Cabstar sold in the UK spanned two main generations: the F23 series (roughly 1992–2006) and the F24 series (2006 onwards), and differentials are generally not interchangeable across that boundary due to changes in axle specification and engine pairings. Within the same generation, the engine code is the most important factor — a matching engine code and gearbox type gives you the strongest chance of a compatible unit. Confirm the exact cross-generation fitment question with the breaker against your registration before committing.

Both a 2010 and a 2014 Cabstar fall within the F24 generation (2006 onwards), which is encouraging, but axle ratios and differential specs can vary depending on the engine code, payload rating, and whether the gearbox is manual or automatic. Supply the breaker with your engine code — found on your V5 or via a VIN check — alongside your gearbox type and gross vehicle weight rating, as these details matter more than the year alone. Never assume fitment based on year match without the breaker confirming against your specific registration.

A 2007 Cabstar is an F24, while pre-2006 models are F23, and this is a known generation boundary where axle architecture changed; a straight swap across that line is unlikely without modification. The engine codes differ significantly between generations — the F23 used units like the QD32 diesel, while the F24 brought newer engine families — so the mechanical mismatch runs deeper than just the differential housing. Route this question directly to the breaker with both registrations so they can compare specs before you purchase.

Wheelbase (short or long) does not directly affect differential fitment on the Cabstar — the rear axle differential specification is driven by engine code, gearbox type, and axle ratio rather than the body length. What can vary is the payload or gross vehicle weight rating, which sometimes corresponds to a different axle ratio within the same engine family, so mention your GVW to the breaker as a cross-check. The differential itself should be the same unit across wheelbases sharing the same drivetrain spec, but let the breaker confirm against your registration to be sure.

Trim level has no bearing on differential fitment for the Cabstar — this is a commercial vehicle where specification is set by drivetrain and payload rating, not trim designation. What matters is your engine code, fuel type (all UK Cabstars in this era are diesel), and gearbox type, which the breaker will use to match the correct unit. You may find minor cosmetic or cab-equipment differences between trucks, but these are irrelevant to the mechanical differential spec.

The single most useful thing you can do is find your engine code — it appears on your V5 logbook or can be retrieved via a VIN check — and pass it to the breaker along with your gearbox type (manual or automatic) and your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating. Year and registration help narrow things down, but the engine code is what the breaker will use to verify the axle ratio and fitment compatibility. Never purchase based on year alone; always let the breaker confirm against your full spec.