Is there a difference in drive shafts between the two? Will my 79 shaft work with an 82 tranny or do I need the 82 shaft?

 

Shafts are the same. Are you putting a Fb trans in a Sa?

 

Yeah, Im thinking about it. Just trying to make sure it will work out

I cant find any SA trannys around here so I was thinking of buying The Wankler's 82 transmission in the for sale forum.

 

It will fit and work just fine, other than the shifter is about 2" further rearward.

 

Thats not a big deal, I just want it to work mechanically, or at least know what else I need to have to make it work.

 

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/need-input-someone-has-done-fb-trans-sa-612876/

 

The farther rearward shifter means you have to hack up your tunnel and console to make it fit.

 

Only thing to deal with, is the shifter location. The FB trans looks different on the outside, but everything bolts up the same way. Input shaft, output shaft, even the trans mount are the same.

 

I saw that and thats where I got the idea to just put a later year tranny in. It didnt say anything about the drive shaft so I wasnt sure.

Is it the differentials on LSD rearends that require a different shaft?

 

79-82 diffs (all) use a smaller flange than the 83-85 diffs (all). Easy way to ID the diff flange, threaded holes = 79-82, non-threaded holes = 83-85. LSD/nonLSD diffs from the same years have the same flange.

 

83 1/2 on up with the larger ends are different.