rear axle upgrades?

[megarock15]

hey guys i am new to the rotary scene. i am getting a new 80 rx7 tomorrow. the sa22c needs a new rear axle and transfer case. can i use an axle/transfer case from a newer generation? is there a preferred upgrade either oem or aftermarket?

thanks for the help

[ian65]

sure, the one to look out for is a complete rear axle off a GSL-SE model..... they were made between 1984 - 1985 and are the preferred upgrade as they feature a limited slip diff or (posi-traction) as standard, stronger driveshafts plus disc brakes which would also be an upgrade on a 1980 model rx7 which has rear drum brakes as standard.

this is the type of thing...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIMITED-SLIP-DI ... ee&vxp=mtr

the only problem for you would be that the GSL-SE had a different wheel lug pattern to the earlier car so you need to change the front suspension struts / hubs as well to get them all to match.... this does however give you a much better selection of wheels to choose from.

[megarock15]

what would i need to accommodate the discs? new lines, emergency brake cables,various suspension components? I have done a rear disc swap on my 91 accord coupe. With that I needed the cross member, hubs hard and soft brakelines, and ebrake cables.

also not matching front and back is not a problem as i just need it to be drivable

[turntune]

I'm in SC and have a series 3 (84-85) parts car that has a good trans and rear, its slightly different than yours (lower trailing arms were lowered) but everything is there, trans on series 3 is slightly different as to shifter location (aftermarket shift boot and cut the hole bigger fix) so if you cant find anything close let me know.....btw way orig from Mich, 90% of my family lives there....thumb area, brown city, warren, ster hgts, marlette, flint and I was born in sandusky!
also having different lug pattern between front and rear- which do you carry the spare for?
also x2 having done multiple platform honda fwd rear disc swaps....yes it GREATLY improves braking, but for a daily driven 1st gen- keep it simple stick with the drums, as light as the car is a good set of pads will surprise you. Best advice I can give...put it on the road with factory stuff, once you have the car sorted, then swap to disc's

[MelloYello]

Unless you are planning major upgrade modifications you should just try and find a direct replacement. Less of a headache and when working properly and more than capable of the job.

[megarock15]

right now I will take what I can get. The main reason i was asking is so i can have a better chance at finding something i can use. I just need it to be drivable. if i can find a complete rear end i will take the whole thing.

[MelloYello]

Start trawling the wrecking yards. You will come across a series 1 for sure, there were plenty sold in the US.

[elwood]

I've had good luck with car-part.com.