I searched and didn't find what I was looking for. I was wondering could you buy an aftermarket lsd and install it on a non lsd rear end. I have a 85 gs and I'm having no luck finding a gsl lsd pumpkin anywhere locally. And I don't really want to switch to a -se rear end. So is it possible to just install an aftermarket lsd?

 

Your best value for your money would be to keep searching for a used stock GSL or GSL-LE differential.

 

a pumpkin is a pumpkin, just make sure that the axle sizes are the same. I could be wrong (and if so somebody correct me) but I think you have three major variations of the 1st gen axles.... 110 x 4 shorter and thinner 114.3 x 4 shorter and thinner, and 114.3 x 4 thicker and slightly longer (GSl-SE) yours should be the 114.3 x 4 non gsl-se if so any 114.3 x 4 axle shares the same pumpkin hence easy enough to swap. check with trochoid, and wacky they both have encyclopedias between their ears vice brain matter

kenn

 

pre-83 came with 24 splines while the 83+ have 26 so he can only use 83+ 3rd member. (sorry, i cant remember the actual # of splines).

 

Since you have an 85, you're in luck. A Miata pumpkin will bolt in, and the axles will fit right back in place. The Miata was available with the same 3.90 ratio, as well as a 4.10. But, not all had a LSD.

Kenn- All US spec 12a cars had the 4x110 pattern, only the SE used the 4x114.3.

Wacky- I thought the 83 still had the smaller axles? Maybe it was a mid-year change?

 

Does it matter what year miata? I'm making a trip out to a local junkyard tommorow to pick up a few odds and ends for my car. Did the miata's come with a torsen lsd stock or was it viscous. I'm pretty sure they switched to larger axles halfway through '83.

 

All 83's are small axle, it was the pinion flange that changed mid-year. Some of the roadracers swear by the small axle rearends as being an overall stronger unit. Something about the narrower axles tubes are actually stronger and deflect/bend less.

On Felix Miata's web page, he has a comprenesive list of which diffs can be swapped into the 1st gen rearends. The torsen unit is limited to a particular model and narrow production year range. There is also an issue of total spline engagement.

Thanks for the faith Rouge, but I still need to look a lot of **** up. Memory and age no longer compliment themselves, LOL.

 

I know the feeling...............
Age does a couple advantages, though. Cops don't harrass us as bad over our loud cars. I guess they figure we can't hear very well anymore.............

 

you failed to mention that he gets a senior citizen discount at Denny's also.

 

I knowed you or doc would be along soon. Besides, I'm still working on my 1st cup of coffee.