FC subframe 13b swap is almost done - what to do about thr rear lug pattern
 

I'm nearing the completion of my subframe 13b rack and pinion power steering etc swap. Time to get serious about finding something for the rear. I have a 83 GSL rear end and a GS rear.

Adapter spacers? Find a big bearing rear and do mosers? Mustang type 8.8?

Muahaha now you know where I'm at!

I just pulled the front subframe, steering rack, sway bar, the whole shebang out of the S4 TII FC a few weeks ago as well as the rear brake calipers and soon will have the rotors.

But now the question is, as you've stated, WHAT ABOUT THE REAR BOLT PATTERN??
1. Swap to a Ford 8.8 or 9 rear end - lots of down time and money
2. Leave the rear end in the same bolt pattern - yeah right!
3. Make our own versions of the RE-Speed big brake kit - most logical for me I think

This has been plaguing me in my sleep, I swear. I think I'll end up fabbing up a RE-Speed copy kit from their pictures (they also have the PDF copy of the installation instructions with pictures and diagrams in it on their website, or last time I checked, so I have that to go off of). I have access to a student machine shop with CNC lathes and every other type of machining tool I'd need to make my own set so I'll probably start up on that here soon for next winter when I do the whole FC swap.

S3 disc axle housing w/modified GSL-SE, or Moser axle shafts. The S5 5 lug brake rotor and the SE rotor have the same hub centric size. Leave one stud in the SE axle shaft and knock out the other 3. Then fit the S5 rotor on the axle and use it as a drill jig. I used a section of pipe as a drill bushing and one of the holes was off slightly so I ordered a drill bushing from Fastenal. It wasn't what I ordered. You need a drill bushing just under a .5" OD(IIRC .480") and around a .250" ID, (just something to get you started then step drill it up). As you can see in the photo 2 of the holes are close to existing holes so you may want to weld them closed if you feel it necessary. I got started on it but one hole was off a little (because I used a piece of pipe as a drill bushing) and the bushing I ordered wasn't right. Then I bounce from project to project like a pinball so now it's sitting. I may go another route with the car anyway..

Looks like I need to find a S3 axle housing. Shouldn't be too hard most people take the diff anyway if its LSD and if its not I got to make or buy the adapter for the big brakes anyway.

So if I find one my S2 diff will fit the axles? I'll probably just go with Moser axles.

Proving harder than I thought. I got a nice 83 GSL rear from a car with 78,000 on the odometer. I can prove it too I got the cluster. Lol

Found 2 or 3 rears close but all of them are drum rears.

I don't know what your end goals are, but if you NEED a bigger/stronger axle, the Toyota 8" is the way to go, IMO. Stronger without adding as much weight as a 9"/8.8". A forum member did it here, and a great write-up on it.

If you don't need it, just go S3 (GSL have stronger gear teeth) and save yourself A LOT of trouble, $$, and time.

Car is probably going to stay NA 13b. I'm just doing it for the EFI factor really. Sick of carbs and such. Don't really need anything super strong. I just want matching lug pattern front and rear. I have a S2 (83 GSL axle) but no aftermarket axles made for it :( Honestly tell the truth I doubt I'll even do the big break upgrade on the rear. The front 4 piston calipers ought to be a HUGE improvement over what I had.

I have 2 adapters for 4x110 to 5x114.3. I was going to use them but went a different way. I think I paid 100 + shipping. You're welcome to them for a couple bucks + shipping. I wouldn't recommend them for a big turbo motor, but they should be just fine for an NA. PM me if you want. I'll get pictures this weekend. I'm in Canada though, so I'd have to get a shipping quote.

SWEET!!! Pm sent!