1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

4.44 Kia gear into a GSL diff.

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Old 03-10-08, 07:53 PM
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Question 4.44 Kia gear into a GSL diff.

I bought the gear from LIRX and I am planning to install it, I have searched on the forums for the 4.44 gears BUT I can only find info for the 4.77 since that one is directly bolt on. I was wondering how do I install this into my diff? I have the 'pumpkin', not the whole axle. Any help would be appreciated!

Mack
Old 03-10-08, 08:37 PM
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it will work. I have a KIA 4.44 in my FB and in one of my RX-3s
Old 03-10-08, 08:39 PM
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Just snap it on?
Old 03-10-08, 09:26 PM
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I don't know how accurate it is but this is all the info I've collected throught the years on this forum by searching.
Ok guys you are getting nit picky, here is the exact numbers. 83-84 12a is 3.93, 84-85 se
is 4.076, 85 12a is 3.909, now are you happy, must have a bunch of mechanical engineers here, lol. rx7doctor
I have an Excel spread sheet for working through gearing and tire/wheel sizes and how that affects speed at any combination of RPM and gear. I created it over four years ago and added to it as necessary. It also has a worksheet dedicated to most every combination of ring and pinion gears and the resulting ratio. Strangly, I can't figure out how to get a 4.076 ratio...I can get 4.077 (53/13) and 4.083 (49/12), but it takes a lot of teeth. Anyway, here is the link if you want to download it: RPMSpeed.XLS.ZIP.

Besides the stock ratios, alread discussed, are the 4.444, 4.875 and 5.125 for 1st gens. They were not stock on any models, but developed for racing and available through MazdaSpeed and elsewhere (Mazdatrix, etc). Of these, the 4.875s (aka 4.88s) are my favorite. They really wake up a 1st gen, multiplying the torque we have. First gear becomes an afterthough but, otherwise, the stock transmission feels like a close-ratio box. I have used 4.88s on my old peripheral port 13B and more recently on my stock 12A 1st gen...more smiles per miles. Retail prices are pretty steep but if you do a couple autocrosses a year and, thus, qualify for the Mazdaspeed Team Support Program, the prices are drastically lower...under $300 for 4.88s, last time I checked. I got mine for $100 used.
I believe 4.78 can be found on Kia Sportage.
The 4.44 can be found on a early 80's Mazda 4x4 pickup. Use the FRONT differential...
Additionally 4.30 can be found in 99+ Miatas.

Any ring and pinion that will fit a 94+ Miata will fit the RX-7...

Front Diff of early/mid 80's 4wd Mazda truck: 4.44:1
1994+5 speed Miata: 4.30:1 (Added bonus of a Torsen that should fit 84/85 RX-7's)
Kia Sportage: 4.88:1
oh and I just found this on google!
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/Drivetrain.html
Old 03-11-08, 02:01 AM
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Wait... I am still confused, does this mean it's snap right in?
Old 03-11-08, 02:37 AM
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are u talking bout ring or ring and pinion. i think wat they mean is aslong as its a 7in ring gear it should bolt on. just watch for backlash and end play?
Old 03-11-08, 11:17 AM
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It's 10 teeth on the pinion and 44 on the ring gear.
Old 03-11-08, 02:15 PM
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I believe what he's asking is if he should put the ring and pinion in him self? Or is this something that a shop needs to do In regards to geting the right clearances for everything?

Is that what your asking Mack?
Old 03-11-08, 02:26 PM
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What I meant was if I can just put in the pumpkin as is, no need for another other modification. I can't find any details on the 4.44 but the 4.77 has plenty of info for it through search and they aren't the same.
Old 03-11-08, 03:10 PM
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if you have the entire 3rd member or pumpkin, then just bolt it up. however, you wont have a LSD
Old 03-11-08, 07:28 PM
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Is there any other way to install this then?
Old 03-11-08, 08:16 PM
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dude. part 9 of the factory service manual....and yes you're "new" pumpkin will bolt up- just remove your old one, and put the new one in- if you want LSD then you can swap over your clutch pack(would also be a good time to rebuild it...)- or go cheap n easy and weld your spider gears...search for it in the archive. its there- its the same exact thing as doing the 4.77's theres even a write up...

good luck and have fun- burnout in front of the neighbor's houses...and stop signs...and wherever johnny law isn't lurking!

zach
Old 03-12-08, 01:01 AM
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here is the late Blake's XLS in RAR format. so get winRAR to unzip it.
I have added some other gear raitos to the referance table

http://www.mediafire.com/?gnamzgwyggf

for future searchers: 4.44 kia diff, 4.72 LSD, open diff
Old 03-13-08, 02:23 AM
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Thanks, I will read up on that when I have the time!
Old 04-29-13, 10:56 PM
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I know its an old topic but i have a 82gsl and am looking for 4.44 gear. 82 has smaller axels will it still work? And i will swap my lsd in. Also is it possible to do this in under four hours cuz im currently in axel/ diff classes. Thank you all pm me plz i dont check here often.
Old 04-29-13, 11:18 PM
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^ requires use of the large bearing/axle unit from 84-85 to swap the 3rd member. Axle spline count is different
Old 04-29-13, 11:57 PM
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If you have your own lsd and it is for the small bearing axles, you can swap the lsd into the kia third member. Should be good to go. I have done exactly this with a 4.77 kia diff.

Carl
Old 04-30-13, 06:30 PM
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And if it's your first time, swapping a ring pinion to a different pumpkin is going to take more than 4 hours.
Old 05-23-13, 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Sgt.Stinkfist
^ requires use of the large bearing/axle unit from 84-85 to swap the 3rd member. Axle spline count is different
or just swap the differential.


basically there are some considerations to be made.

you can do the following...


1. bolt in the 3rd member directly into your 84/85 axle housing, slide the axles in and go wtih an open diff.

2. with the kia third member, leave the pinion in it, take out the ring and diff, and the change the ring over to a LSD unit of whatever bearing size you require, or get a Kaaz! and then reassemble.

3. take the ring and pinion out of the kia third member and reinstall into the mazda third member. This has the benefiet that you cannot buy the kia sportage differential seal if you have a leaky one. At least i wasn't able to find one anywhere.

also tighten up the backlash the Kia comes with! put it to rx7 specifications.
Old 05-26-13, 12:23 AM
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So can i use the gsl se 4.10 gear with my 82 gsl and just bolt on the ring to my lsd? Cuz i want to re use my 4x110 axels. Its a dd so i think 4.44 will be too high.
Old 05-26-13, 09:44 PM
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Anyone?............ will it make much difference over my 3.90 with a lighted steel flywheel?
Old 05-27-13, 12:31 PM
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4.10 over a 3.9 is not gonna make much of a difference. I put a 4.78 in mine and it is wonderful. I would go 4.44 it's a kinda like a happy medium.
Old 05-27-13, 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken7102
4.10 over a 3.9 is not gonna make much of a difference. I put a 4.78 in mine and it is wonderful. I would go 4.44 it's a kinda like a happy medium.
What's your engine speed (rpm) at 80 with that gearset? I'm thinking its my next mod.
Old 05-27-13, 12:49 PM
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I cannot remember atm, uhh 65mph is about 4000 on 4th gear with 180/75R14 is teh back. Hopefully someone else will chime in.
Old 05-27-13, 05:34 PM
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It was more than that when I put a 4.77 in mine with 15x7 wheels, I forgot the tire size, maybe a 50 or 60 aspect ratio.

More like 60 mph in 5th was around 4000 rpm.


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