I have the Ford and thought it was my only option until I read your thread a couple of months ago. I have to do some research to see how much power these rears can hold also.

My plan is the Toyota rear, I just got to do some research to figure out which vehicles have the rear I need and start taking notes lol. I think your the only one who has done a write up on it?

Which rear end are you going to use?

I appreciate it thanks for the information that actually does help me.

Benefis of the Toyota rear over the OEM Mazda:
- Stronger axle shafts
- Stronger center section
- Stronger housing
- More gear ratio options
- More differential options

Benefits of the Toyota 8 over the Ford options:
- Lighter
- Doesn't need to be narrowed (already the correct width)
- Smaller housing (especially important if running a 3-link so the top bracket doesn't hit the underside of the car)

I appreciate your opinion, thanks. What in your opinion is the main benefit to having the Toyota rear? I don't want to seem nosy the reason I ask is because I have a Ford rear that I picked up from work but am thinking if the difference in performance isn't that big and I can save the weight I would prefer the lighter unit. Thanks again Elwood

I can't really say what the weight difference is . . . and that info is hard to find. I would assume either an 8.8 or a 9" are significantly heavier, but that's a guess. That said, if I were putting a Ford rear end in my car, I'd go with the 9". The overall design is more robust, the stamped center housing is easier to weld brackets to, the center section can be removed without removing the whole rear end, and there is even a lightweight aluminum 3rd member option through Strange. The 9" is slightly less efficient than the 8.8", but I think the other benefits outweight this.

How's it going Elwood I was reading your thread on your Toyota rear end swap, very nice by the way kudos, I just had one question if you don't mind. Do you know, approximately, what the difference in weight your car is with the Toyota rear as opposed to the popular ford rear?

You have the wrong guy. I don't have a widebody.

Email me at dmrs25@yahoo.com