What are the differences between the 84-85 gsl and the gsl-se rear ends? I know that the final gear is different, and the bolt pattern is different, but other than that is there any advantages?

 

The GSL has 4 clutch plates versus the GSL-SE's 3...

Along with the more common bolt pattern, the GSL-SE has larger brake discs, and they're vented.

 

I beleave the gsl-se rearend has limited slip and the gsl doesnt other than that i dunno.

 

What is up with the clutch plates? What would that affect?

 

The GSL-SE limited slip is weaker than the GSL's. Probably to make the handling less spooky, a tight LSD with grippy tires will make it ploooooow like the pig, unless you dive at the corner, at which point it oversteers. Kind of the RX-7 handling status quo except amplified.

Beyond the difference in clutches, the minor difference in gearing (intended to make up for the -SE's taller tires), and the different bolt pattern, the -SE axles are 15mm longer than 12A axles. The difference is between the wheel flange and the bearing, so the housings themselves are interchangeable.

 

So, should I just go with the gsl rear end, or is it worth it to dish out the extra cash for the -se? It seems like I might as well just go with the gsl, and up the ring and pinion...

 

Oh, and I like the PP cuts in your aviatar....sexy.

 

1. You can just upgrade the diffy to GSL's 3rd member and keep the drum brakes.
2. if ur FB is 84-85, a GSL-SE 3rd member will fit in the housing like #1.
3. Upgrade everything to GSL or GSL-SE but more $$$$$ to spend.

 

the axle shaft size is a larger by about 2.5mm on the -se along with having a higher spline count. i think the bearings are the same size, so you can interchange between the housings just keep the 3rd member and the axles together.

 

I wish the 82 would fit the 83 like that. The race on the third member is to small to fit in the axle housing correctly. The bolt pattern lines up, but the o.d. doesn't fit the i.d.

 

like calvinpaul said earlier "What is up with the clutch plates? What would that affect?" imean what would the difference be between the 4plate clutch and the 3plate?

 

Some of you guys got off the question. The third members between those 2 years are interchangable as are the axles. The biggest difference is the disks on the GSL are smaller as Pele pointed out, and the LSD being weeker. The SE has 4:076 gears and the GSL had 3:90, hardly noticable if you go with the GSL. The GSL is, as peejay pointed out stronger than the SE. I swapped mine out on my SE with an '84 GSL and noticed no difference at all.

 

Cool, looks like I will be on the hunt for a gsl rear end and a ring and pinion. Thanks gents.

 

I smell $$$$ coming my way.

 

Hey wacky, I was originally going to buy an -se rear end from rotarx7, but I haven't heard from him in almost 2 weeks. Do you have a gsl rear end that you would be getting rid of? I am looking for disk to disk, couse I want to get rid of those damn drums...

You wouldn't also have any 4.44, 4.78, 4.88 or any of the like would you (don't really want to go as high as 5.12)? I have been looking for a 2600b 4x4 or a kia sportage, but haven't had much luck.

 

I will call him. do you want me to do the install?

I dont have any aftermarket gears.

 

Damn, you do install too? How much for just the rear end and how much for the install? Is it just a swap or was it rebuilt?

 

my hommie wants to sell his 4.80. I think hes asking $500 + the intire rear end.


-Ryan

 

500 for the gear or 500 for the whole rear end?

 

That applies to ALL '84-up Mazda, not just the -SE.

 

that's the first time i heard that. you sure it's not a 'hearsay'?

 

Well, it has fewer clutch plates... I'd check my FSM to see if the breakaway torque specs are different, but the FSM is Not Reliable in differentiating between GSL and GSL-SE. (There are several glaring errors in the manual... were you aware that most OEM's have 20% error rate as being acceptable for their service manuals? That is, it is acceptable to have one page in five containing errors.)