What size is it?

Is it easy/inexspencive to upgrade?

What is the factory ratio(GSL)?

Floater or C-clip?

Is there a locker for this axle??

Thanks,
Eric

 

7"
Usually a Ford 8.8" is installed
3.909:1
niether....think Ford 9".....semi-float
GSL's already have limited slip

Basically, this is a 2" small version of the Ford 9"

 

Whats the reason for upgrading it?If taken care of,the stock 1st gen rearend can take quite a lot of power without failure.
Ive been feeding mine redline 90W, and its survived for years with 300hp going into it,daily driven.I did the outer wheel bearings a while back,but those are common items to replace on a 100K mile old rearend.Never twisted an axle or popped a R&P set.

 

I'm buying my neighbors 83' GS for a few dollars, which means I've got the rear out of my GSL to rebuild/strengthen, but with what you both have said I don't need much over a rebuild.

What about lower gears, like 3.73s 4.11s ?

Is there any way to convert to full floater? (just thinking)

Also, would the axle shafts from a n -SE fit into this housing?

-Eric

 

No need for a full floater with such a light car,and with disc brake rotors being held by the calipers you dont have to worry about spitting an axle/wheel if the bearing fails/slips out.
The SE pumpkin has 4.07 gears which are a noticable drop from the 3.909 of the GSL.If you want lower,you can get them from aftermarket sources in several ratios.
If your GSL rearend is 84-85 you can insert the SE axles into that housing.Youll need SE rotors and calipers to finish it off.If its not an 84-85 rearend,youll need an 84-85 (SE or GSL) pumpkin to match up to the larger 84-85 axles.

 

Yes it's an 85', Would swaping gears make a big difference in the performance(GSL to SE)?

Also, is swaping the axles/brakes a worth while investment? Arn't the SE brakes larger?

 

The increase in accel. is minor,but noticable in the lower gears.Your topend speed will suffer a little,as will fuel economy since the RPMs will be higher.The SE tranny has a taller 5th to offset this.
The SE rear brakes are bigger and vented.The parking brake will hold better since the rotors are larger around(more leverage).The lug pattern is also much more desireable than the 110MM pattern.Also,the SE axles will push the wheels out about 1/2 more than the others,so you may have to roll your fenders depending on the wheels you run.Wider track means more grip and less oversteer too.
If your going for every last mod like I did,then sure its worth it.If your happy just having any rear discs and you like your current wheels,then forget the axles/brakes and maybe just swap in the SE pumpkin for a little increase in acceleration.

 

Who makes a higher gear, in the 3.08 range?

 

You would hate those gears cannonjocky. The car would be a slug.

 

Yup, a total slug. The stock gearing is as high as you want to go. Unless you are going with a turbo, go for a 4.44. It is an all around good ratio, low enough to drive on the highway but high enough that it gives it some pep.