I found a GXL that I might buy but I want to know whether the GXL has limited slip differential. IF it does I want it to go on my car which is a base model. I also want the 5 stud cheese grater wheels. Can u just replace the entire axle with this one or is it not possible. Has anyone done this or know if it is possible? Keep in mind I also need to do the front
Thanks

 

At the front you just swap the hubs(and of course the brake calipers and brake rotors).It's probably just as easy to change the knuckles complete.All Canadian GXLs had LSDs.The propshaft and axle shafts were the same.To run with the 5 stud wheels you have to change the rear hubs and brake calipers.It's probably easier to change the toe control hubs complete.

 

This is my firends user name

So the front sounds pretty easy. I guess I gotta bleed the break lines if I change the calipers right? The hubs are easy too.

For the back, I ain't too inclined about axle's and stuff. I want to change the back and am going to get someone to do this for me. So basically I have to change the entire thing right? Is there anything in particular involved when performing this? Have you done the swap yourelf?

Thanks

 

How about changing the entire subframe?
Is that an easy task?
Anyone do this?

 

^bump^

 

I have not had to swap a rear end,all my cars except the vert had LSDs.I have removed and replaced them usually without taking the sub-frame off.Only had the frame off once.

 

So just remove and put the LSD on and change the hubs for the 5 bolt pattern and brakes? Can u describe the difficulty of the LSD change and the hubs?

Thanks

 

All GXL's have 5 lug rims. 86-88 GXL's have LSD. 89-91 probably doesn't.

 

when you say that, do you mean that all cars with 5 lug wheels came with it? or that GXLs did. its just a thought.

 

I think only the series 4 GXL's had LSD's. I don't think all 5 bolts had LSD but I don't know what cars had 5 bolts, but I'm guessing no.

 

Anyone perform the LSD swap? Or would it seen easier to do the whole subframe?
Can anyone enlighten the difficulty of changing to the 5 bolt from the 4?

 

It is really difficult to answer your question properly because I don't know what kind of tools and facilities are available to you or what your capabilities are.If you have any doubts look at the Mazda shop manual--for the diff swap etc you basically need to remove and exchange the toe control hubs,remove and exchange the diffs and exchange the brake parts.
The major difficulty will be if some of the fasteners are rusted--particularly the front bolt on the toe control hub because you will end up destroying the bush and the only available replacement is a solid bush from the likes of R/B.
If you have the gear and facilities it would be less risky to drop the whole sub frame complete.Doing it in your backyard,in winter,in Thunderbay,on 18 inch jackstands,by yourself would not be easy!

 

I like the way u described Thunder Bay. You must of been here before.
Where is Whitby Ontario? The description was a clear picture of what the situation most of the time when I do do something outside. Well there isn't much snow and were having a great winter but this isn't soemthing I want to attempt myself. I know a guy who can do almost anything on any car and am going to get him do this for me. I think the subframe sounds like the way to go. Has anyone doen this? What is the main thing involved in doing this