After searching every local option for replacement u-joints in a non-servicable driveshaft for my 83, and checking on line with Mazdatrix, I finally resovled there was no option but bend over and order the factory (cheaper than Trix by $35.00) replacement drive line assembly...with replaceable u-joints.
As I await delivery to (tomorrow)...I found "mazda123x5" post of 10-27-03 regarding the same problem...and he was lucky enough to find a shop in Ca. to rebuild a "non-servicable shaft" for $65.00...

Why don't rx7 suppliers make a conversion kit readily available...especially a company as big as MazdaTrix.

Has anyone else been screwed on this scam?

 

Sounds like you f'd up, because Mazdatrix sells modified driveshafts for something like $250, not $435 -- that's what a new stock one costs.

 

FYI mazda trix isn't very big... Its just a little shop in cali.

 

i bought a NEW driveshaft with replaceable, regreaseable u-joints from a shop in bakersfield.

$350.00

 

Im getting a completely custom alluminum one with HD chevy style U joints for $400.

 

Last week booted up Mtrix, prior to going to factory, loked up the 83, noticed the warning that 1983 was non-servicable...then went to the price, $436 plus frieght. OUCH!!!

Couple of days ago I dropped the old shaft out, ( took longer to jack the car up than to remove shaft), then headed to our local driveline shop in search of any U-Joint that would fit....nothing around this part of the counrty. Literally got sick today when I discovered another owner had found a "Reasonable Shop" to make the conversion.

What the heck, I miss my RX, and look forward to a vibration free ride....we all know how joints ease up on you....the vibration has slowly been creeping up for monthes...and like other owners...I looked everywhere else....first.

 

Mazdatrix sells the '83 driveshaft for like $240 with replacable u-joints.

 

i wish i had known you were looking, i would have sold you one with good u joints for 50.00. at least you know you're gonna get good use from it and know for sure it will last.

 

hudson machine shop does them here all day long for $35+parts

 

I'm picking myself up a custom carbon fiber one (rather have my driveshaft broom if it breaks, than pole-vault my car). Weight savings is like nil, but much better for safety.

 

how much is that costing?

ive heard Carbon fiber shafts are better for driveline life also.

 

Do you have any contact info? Maybe I'll ship mine to them.

 

When my 84's driveshaft went out I took the rear yoke off of the rear-end of an 81 and swapped it with mine.
A regular 81 driveshaft will not bolt up because the bolt pattern is different, that is why I swaped the yoke.
Now I am able to use 81 driveshafts which have replaceable universals for about $9.

The car I got the yoke and driveshaft from was 50 dollars from my local impound, it would have been free if I was able to get it before the impound did.

 

Thanks for all the good feedback, and I wish I would have looked around this web before I went to the Mazda Parts Counter.

Be advised that I ran a copy of the Sunday Responses to my dilemma, carried into my Parts Man yesterday....and refered to the shop in Ca. that would rebuild for $65.00, the guy took pity on me and knocked another 50.00 off...so I'm out the door with a new shaft w/replaceable joints...$350.00

Your responses saved me $50.00 so thanks to all!

 

Carbon fiber shafts and Aluminum shafts take off your time in the 1/4 mile cause of the Less rotating mass, and if you add one on with a lightned flywheel it has a big provement but man my brother spent alot for that.

Sorry that it cost you so much.

 

I feel like I want to jump up and down. One more time:

M a z d a t r i x

s e l l s d r i v e s h a f t s w i t h r e p l a c a b l e u - j o i n t s f o r $ 2 4 0.

Why pay more?