What you guys will think is easier to get a whole diff or just swap out the pinion and gears? Nyc area looking for one

 

no idea, but the 1994-2005 Miata uses the same guts, with a couple of different ratios, 3.9, 4.1 and 4.3 depending on the year and transmission

 

Easier to swap a whole diff.
Setting up a ring and pinion is tedious, but if you can't find a whole diff swapping gears may be the most practical option.
Also when you rebuild the differential you can install new bearings, whereas getting one used might have bearings and seals that are decades old.

 

If you're just looking for a stock replacement differential, I personally feel as though its easier just to swap out the differential itself over replacing the ring and pinion with a different setup.

With rebuilding the rear end with a different ring and pinion, you'll have carrier bearings to replace, as well as both pinion bearings, a crush collar, and pinion lock nut. Not to mention setting the rear end up takes some skill and special tools are a must for holding the diff in place. The up side is that everything will be new and the reliability factor is great if the rear end was rebuilt correctly with quality parts.

 

I found a a whole new diff from a 85 gs. Was wondering how long of a hour job it is to remove it from the donated car and install it in mines? thanks .

 

You might need a puller for the axles. Breaking the seal of the diff to the housing can be tough.
Also if you have drum brakes the hydraulic lines have to be disconnected to pull the axles and then bled after reassembly.

Those are the most time consuming parts.