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Index > Engine/Drivetrain > Thread: RX-3 rear end upgrade
Thread: RX-3 rear end upgrade
wackyracer


1st Gear
Posts: 20
posted February 18, 2003 03:04 PM

RX-3 rear end upgrade

Not related to rotary pickups but I have a 75 RX-3. Need to upgrade my rear-end to 4.8. I have no problem buying it but what would I do when I break an axle. Based on that, I would rather spend my $$ on something else.

Since the 78 to mid-80’s mazda pick up truck are a dime a dozen, Im thinking of getting it narrowed and installed in my RX-3. Does anyone know the gear ratio on these puppies?

Im open to other ideas…This is all for drag racing.

Thanks.


       
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dodge48


1st Gear
They call me the "Anti-Honda"
Posts: 41
posted February 18, 2003 03:38 PM

well i can tell you the ford courier rear end is a 4:11 ratio. I would imagine the mazda pickups are going to be very close to that.
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Always remember in life: If at first you don’t succeeded, sky diving isn't for you.

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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted February 18, 2003 04:23 PM

Go to the Ford 8"

...or is that the 9"...? I'm not that up on it, but one of these is the rearend of choice for hi-po racing setups, and apparently a full range of gearing options are readily available...

       
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dodge48


1st Gear
They call me the "Anti-Honda"
Posts: 41
posted February 18, 2003 05:03 PM

o ok you are racing the thing. Yes a ford 9 inch is the way to go. They are what i have in my older trucks and the best to use. The gearing ranges from a 2:76 (found mainly in cars that came with automatics) all the way to 6:00( rock crawlers). I wont lie, a narrowed 9 inch will run a good bit, but if you run an overdrive tranny with about a 4:11 or 4:56 gears it will haul a$$. Also it will hold up to the torque of a drag car better than a mazda or courier rear end.
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Always remember in life: If at first you don’t succeeded, sky diving isn't for you.

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wackyracer


1st Gear
Posts: 20
posted February 18, 2003 08:15 PM

Dodge,
A ford 9" is a little over my budget but since you mentioned a ford courier, thats an easy find. Can you tell me the year?

ty

       
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dodge48


1st Gear
They call me the "Anti-Honda"
Posts: 41
posted February 19, 2003 01:05 PM
Edited By: dodge48 on 19 Feb 2003 13:56

yes, the courier i have is a 1976. Its the one with the 4:11 gears in it. Im not sure if they carried the 4:11 all the years of the courier but more than likeley they did.

One more thing. If you go for the courier let me tell you a few things about it. the rear drums can be a B**** to get off. Its duel rear wheel cylinder set up. Also if you put new bearing and seals on the axles you are looking at 80 dollars to do that. There is currently no Chunk to housing seal availble so you will have to make your own. hope that helps.
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kansei


Redlining
Wankelized
Posts: 423
posted March 16, 2003 07:35 AM

Another thought...

Just another idea on this rear end dilemma... If the Courier rear end is a bit weak for you, you could get some benefit of a Ford 9" without the initial cost. My '91 Bronco (full size) came from the factory with an 8.8" LS rear, and a 3.73 ring gear. The 8.8"s are not as durable as the 9" rears, but they are much cheaper to buy up front, because no one wants them when they can have the "big dog". Rebuild parts are generally the same price as 9" pieces, with the exception of mini-spools and the like, which tend to run a bit higher since the 8.8" parts are not in as much demand. However, I have heard of people getting whole rear end assemblies off salvage yards for under $250, then investing another few hundred bucks in aftermarket gears, and they still fall short of what a used 9" was going to cost them. Plus, for drag racing, a Lincoln locker won't cost you a thing, providing you have access to a welder!

Neal.



____________
Neal A.E. Swigert
Greenville, Michigan
1974 REPU Resto Project
1976 808 Wagon
1977 Cosmo
1978 Savanna RX-7 GT
1980 Leather Sport RX-7
1980 Petty Targa RX-7 #11
1985 GSL-SE RX-7
1988 RX-7 10th Ann
1993 RX-7 VR Touring




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brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted March 17, 2003 02:19 PM

what is the range of ring and pinion gears for a ford 8.8"?

Thanks,
____________
-brad-
74 REPU Lawn Green
81 Rx-7 racecar. 12a J-
Bridge

       
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