Need a new diff, what are my options
#46
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Another thing I'm considering. I can buy a low mileage JDM RHD front, and rear subframe delivered for $999. I can then look for an LSD, or even buy an aftermarket unit if I feel like it. I have bad front bushings, deformed camber lock plate, leaky steering rack, torn boots, worn balljoints. Car has 177k, its 1993 with an engine from a 1999, so a BP4W properly swapped using the FM kit. What will I need to change to fit that subframe? Rear goes right in. Steering rack I'm told are different between NB and NA. Which one will I need? I'm running all 1.6 accessories. How about engine mounts? Driveshaft, doesnt come with the subframe. How many variations are there? Which one will I need? I have a 5 speed. Or can a driveshaft shop convert it?
And as far as dropping the subframe. I need tips. Ive dropped subframes before, solo. But not on a Miata. I have to pull the engine right? Can I leave it in the the bay held up by a hoist? I only have jackstands to work with. And probably no help. And its gonna be a tight fit in my garage. But this is a much needed refresh for my Miata.
And as far as dropping the subframe. I need tips. Ive dropped subframes before, solo. But not on a Miata. I have to pull the engine right? Can I leave it in the the bay held up by a hoist? I only have jackstands to work with. And probably no help. And its gonna be a tight fit in my garage. But this is a much needed refresh for my Miata.
#47
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Not sure on the LHD and RHD difference though.
Mounts are same on all, except for the late NB which got mounts with an extra bit on the flange for another bolt.
But, even those blocks will fit an early mount, you just dont use the extra hole.
one for the 6" diff (the NA6 tiny diff)
and then a different tailshaft for all the rest of the NA/NB cars, which had the 7" diff.
you need the tailshaft that matches the diff you're using.
If you're working on stands, it will be far easier to jsut pull the engine all together.
Yeah, you can leave it hanging on the crane, but all you're saving yourself there is a few electrical plugs that you'll probably break anyway, and a couple of PPF bolts.
Plus then you've got to work around the engine being in the way.
I'd just pull it and save the hassle. Use the opportunity to throw some gaskets and stuff at the engine while it's out.
also, one last thing.
Is there any reason to bother swapping subframes?
Most of the stuff you mentioned (bushes, boots, etc) wont come attached to the subframes.
And most of that is much easier and cheaper to swap than the subframes anyway.
#49
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Yeah, you can leave it hanging on the crane, but all you're saving yourself there is a few electrical plugs that you'll probably break anyway, and a couple of PPF bolts.
Plus then you've got to work around the engine being in the way.
I'd just pull it and save the hassle. Use the opportunity to throw some gaskets and stuff at the engine while it's out.
Plus then you've got to work around the engine being in the way.
I'd just pull it and save the hassle. Use the opportunity to throw some gaskets and stuff at the engine while it's out.
Thanks. Is there a guide out there for this? I dont have access to a welder, but I can at least swap the rear subframe and worry about the front later.
#51
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Last edited by MiataOwner; 11-23-2019 at 04:52 PM.
#52
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You're just not making sense because all you wanna do is swap subframes. You don't wanna spend $1100 on a 4.3 Torsen swap setup, but you're chompin at the bit to buy a pair of used subframes for $1500, even though 1) you have no idea what gearing you'll get and 2) the front will be nearly useless to you because of being setup for a RHD NB. Not to mention it'll still be rolling on 20 year old used bushings. You keep turning down potential diffs we all mention cause they're not 4.30, but you have no idea what comes in that diff, or if its even a torsen, might be the Fuji.
????
Do what you wanna do man, you don't seem to wanna listen to anyone's advice here, despite asking for it.
????
Do what you wanna do man, you don't seem to wanna listen to anyone's advice here, despite asking for it.
#53
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You're just not making sense because all you wanna do is swap subframes. You don't wanna spend $1100 on a 4.3 Torsen swap setup, but you're chompin at the bit to buy a pair of used subframes for $1500, even though 1) you have no idea what gearing you'll get and 2) the front will be nearly useless to you because of being setup for a RHD NB. Not to mention it'll still be rolling on 20 year old used bushings. You keep turning down potential diffs we all mention cause they're not 4.30, but you have no idea what comes in that diff, or if its even a torsen, might be the Fuji.
Front needs more work yes, but for now I can swap the rear. I ratio doesnt matter anway, that frame comes with an open diff, and I plan to swap it anyway. I can buy a 1.8 4.3 pumpkin right now for $500, So $1500 gets me a complete rear subframe (and front) in better condition than mine, upgrade to NB brakes all around, and a 1.8 4.3 diff all ready to swap in one day. That is a much better deal than the $1100 Toresn you mentioned. Or I can even buy Cusco diff, and Kia 4.77 set. That's another $2,000 I have no problem dropping right now on top of the $1000 + frame and supplies costs. So dont think with your money on this.
Rolling on 20 year old bushing as opposed to what Im rolling on now, but older, and 4x the mileage....
????
Last edited by MiataOwner; 11-08-2019 at 10:21 PM.
#54
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Pretty sure we are all getting hustled. OP had only 2 posts when he started this thread. I made the PM offer which he quickly counter-offered. I accepted the counter offer on Wednesday with no more comm from the OP yet he keeps this thread with a bunch of nonsense.
BTW: OP, I would have delivered and just given you the subframes in addition to the whole diff for the money we agreed to. Go pound sand.
BTW: OP, I would have delivered and just given you the subframes in addition to the whole diff for the money we agreed to. Go pound sand.
#55
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I replied to your PM. As you can see by my posting here, I'm still researching my options.
I think that listing prices is making everyone here think hostile. Lets forget that and just break down what I want to do.
-Buy a complete subframe
-Buy a desired differential
-Install diff into subframe, and spruce things up
-Swap subframes
-Bam! rear end is done, and the car is drivable.
Front subframe remains
-Buy engine hoist
-Remove engine
-Drop subframe
-Weld new rack mounts
-Install new rack, maybe depower or go manual
-Put everything back together
More work, and for another time.
Am I omitting a critical step?
I think that listing prices is making everyone here think hostile. Lets forget that and just break down what I want to do.
-Buy a complete subframe
-Buy a desired differential
-Install diff into subframe, and spruce things up
-Swap subframes
-Bam! rear end is done, and the car is drivable.
Front subframe remains
-Buy engine hoist
-Remove engine
-Drop subframe
-Weld new rack mounts
-Install new rack, maybe depower or go manual
-Put everything back together
More work, and for another time.
Am I omitting a critical step?
Last edited by MiataOwner; 11-09-2019 at 10:18 PM.
#57
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MiataOwner, I've got a 4.3 T2 I just pulled from a car I was scrapping that I do not need. I would sell it and the axles for $500 but I really don't want to mess with shipping it.
I've also got spare subframes and all the control arms, steering racks, etc that you could ever want.
I've also got spare subframes and all the control arms, steering racks, etc that you could ever want.
can you send me some pics and more info on the subframe you have. year, mileage.
Thanks!
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