The saga continues. I just finished resealing the differential again. When I replaced the wheels, I found one of the lug bolt threads have been stripped. Option 1, I have the original 79 LSD and axles. Can I swap one axle into the (83) housing? Option 2 find a way to retap the original and try to find a new lug bolt? Seems to be one thing after another. Thanks.

 

that sucks. and no, you don't have an original 79 lsd, they didn't make LSD's until 81. and the axles are NOT intechangable. check out http://www.mazdatrix.com/g5.htm for that. take it to a competent machine shop and they can weld it up and retap for you for pretty cheap. plus, if you're using an 83 and want to go to a 79 axle, you're going to have a fun time with driveshaft flange size differences and brake line thread differences. it's a bit more trouble than it's worth

 

Just drill the holes out some and buy some studs to put through there. Convert to mondern day wheel Lugz and Studs. Pretty simple to do and well worth the effert. Just my 2 centz.

 

gezz, take out the axel and have a machine shop press you in a new stud, dats it.

 

you don't press studs into the older axles. they're thread-in lug BOLTS. do some homework. SE'S you can press in, but no SE'S in 83

 

jimmyjoejoe: The car is a Limited. I thought the axle was LSD due to the way both ends turn the same direction and disc brakes. On mazdatrix site, it says the bare axle is interchangeable. ? Sounds like it could work. Thats all I need to swap. The swap to lug bolts/studs sounds tedious but might also be a good way to go. Is there a supplier of the correct sizes? I appreciate the suggestions.

 

no such thing. no lsd until 81. that's what i'm talking about. this is what i see...
79-85 (12A) Complete axle assembly Brake line threads changed in '81, shoes drums, and adjusters are much better 81-85. Driveshaft flange changed in '83.
79-83 (12A) non LSD Bare axle housing Interchangeable
84-84 (12A) non LSD Bare axle housing Interchangeable
79-83 Bare axle Interchangeable
81-83 All Interchangeable except must match w/LSD and driveshaft / flange (larger in '83)
79-83 3rd Member Interchangeable except must match driveshaft and flange (larger in '83)
84-85 3rd Member Interchangeable

yes, the axles are interchangable, but if you're going from a drum brake axle to a disc brake axle, you may have a problem. especially with mounting tabs... but hey, i'm just giving you some ideas to look into

 

Assuming I'm not reading this wrong, I believe you're saying that the "'79" axle you have as a spare has disc brakes. If my interpretation is correct, then your spare is not a '79 at all, as you can see from jimmy's info.

Also, the wheels should spin in opposite directions of each other if the axle has LSD, not in the same direction.

 

It is also possible that the differential you have is LSD (it should be if you have disc brakes), but the clutches have worn out, rendering the differential indistinguishable from a non-LSD in operation.

 

If it's LSD they will spin the same way. If you turn one wheel the other should turn in the same direction.

 

Thanks Revhed, you're right of course. I should go to sleep earlier if I'm going to insist on watching the Tour de France in the mornings =p.

 

lsd's will spin the same direction even if the clutch pack is worn, it'll just be easier to break the clutch grip

 

It is possible the spare axle isn't a 79. I bought 2 semi complete cars (79 Limited, 83 GSL)< after they had been abandoned by a former friend/mazda mechanic. He could have swapped it.
"79-83 Bare axle Interchangeable
81-83 All Interchangeable except must match w/LSD and driveshaft / flange (larger in '83) "
I freely admit my ignorance; if I swap the bare axle, what flange do I have to match? It will be going into an LSD.

 

the pinion flange.

 

If you're simply swapping the bare axle then you don't need to match anything. As you can see 79-83 are interchangeable.

 

What does the driveshaft flange have to do with swapping an axle?

 

Axle housing. They're talking about the axle housing in the quote.

 

 

Sounds like the axle swap will be the (cheapest) way to go. Now for the time to DO it. Thanks all.

 

I swapped the axles. The backing plate (?) brake line connection does not match up. It's several inches lower than the original.
Getting pessimistic about my racing season. What have people done with studs/lugs? I had planned to upgrade to the Diamond race wheels, wider etc. next year. Time to make the change? Argh!

 

Cant you swap the backing plate?

 

Other than cutting them off, they aren't going to come off readily. Getting tempted to take it to a machine shop. I keep thinking I can do it with parts I have around. May have to give up.

 

You may as well replace the axle bearings.

 

Hell -- if it's salvagable, go to Discount Tire and have them re-thread ALL of 'em. They did mine for $1.00 each hole and new lug bolts with a key too! all for under $30

Not to mention, the new lug bolt heads are smaller (and a lot cleaner) than the stock ones, so they fit better with my Eagle 5-stars.

 

iweather73; I never would have thought of Discount Tire. I was going to start calling machine shops. I will call tomorrow. Thanks