MX6 lsd trans in a GS? CV joints ok? Answer - YES (sort of)

[projectB10]

Same deal only this is an MX3 non LSD CV axle end. Ganue....I think you are off with your 3mm estimate. I make it 10mm or so.

[ganue]

OK - Thanks to everyone, we are now close to the answer. Look below - combining ProjectB10's pictures and attempting to scale them the same we have:



MX-6/Lantis LSD is on top. Mx-3 is on the bottom.

It would appear that the overall length of the LSD half shaft is about 8mm longer. Also, using an MX-3 half shaft for an LSD is bad because:

1) Only about 16 of 25mm of spline engagement occurs
2) Circlip does not snap in and hold and is off by about the 8mm
3) Spiral cuts don't exist - added lubrication??

So - still looking for that Lantis LSD halfshaft....

[projectB10]

Ok moving right along..... feeling stupid

[ionic1000]

I don't think he was trying to say you are wrong but simply trying to explore every option so that we will all have every available definitive answer if and when we decide to do the same! The best solution I feel is not to look at it as an attack but as acknowledgment to everyone including myself who have tried to offer their advice and opinions be it knowledgeable or a simple guess. I have hope this thread when done will be put in FAQ for all that venture to try the LSD swap.

[ganue]

PUBLIC HONORING:

Mr. projectB10 has been extremely helpful on the post and off with everything. His knowledge of vehicles sold in Japan with specific trim and options is information that we 'Mericans' don't really have access to unless we know Kanji!!!

My comment was intended to be a "thank you in advance" yet an acknowledgement that some that "know" but haven't gone through this really don't so information should be viewed carefully. The same threads exist on PT and on MX6 in various forms and in all cases someone pops up with information that is just not right and can actually - taken to the extreme - get someone hurt. project B10 HAS done this and has many postings on it.

My commitment - when this is all done I'll rewrite with all the pix and request a sticky. As of now the bottom line is exactly as stated earlier - GET THE LANTIS LEFT HAND INNER or better yet the right intermediate shaft and left complete halfshaft!!!

Sorry Chris!!

[ganue]

Still trying to get the right parts....

Here's what I know - thankfully our friends (really) at http://www.japanparts.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; have helped to list what we need to include the Mazda LSD transmission in our cars. This is NOT cheap!!!

Here is the link for the driveshafts - we need the full lefthand Lantis Type R with optional LSD driveshaft (25-400Z) and, ideally, the righthand intermediate shaft - 25-700 (I machined mine so I am forgoing the extra expense - for now):

http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist. ... TIS-002-00" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As of this posting, the lefthand shaft is around $400 (it's new and seems to only be available from the Mazda dealer) and the righthand intermediate shaft is about $250.

Ordering is straighforward and they have been very helpful to the point that they specifically listed these parts for me (us) and they are only available through this link that they sent me via e-mail - I couldn't connect any other way.

They are currently out of stock at Mazda but I have ordered the lefthand shaft and will update as I learn more...

[projectB10]

Still trying to get the right parts....

Here's what I know - thankfully our friends (really) at http://www.japanparts.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; have helped to list what we need to include the Mazda LSD transmission in our cars. This is NOT cheap!!!

Here is the link for the driveshafts - we need the full lefthand Lantis Type R with optional LSD driveshaft (25-400Z) and, ideally, the righthand intermediate shaft - 25-700 (I machined mine so I am forgoing the extra expense - for now):

http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist. ... TIS-002-00" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As of this posting, the lefthand shaft is around $400 (it's new and seems to only be available from the Mazda dealer) and the righthand intermediate shaft is about $250.

Ordering is straighforward and they have been very helpful to the point that they specifically listed these parts for me (us) and they are only available through this link that they sent me via e-mail - I couldn't connect any other way.

They are currently out of stock at Mazda but I have ordered the lefthand shaft and will update as I learn more...

Well done Gary. Excellent work digging out all that info. Have to say that $650 (US?) is a lot of money just for an axle set!! Does that include shipping costs?

For that sort of money you open up some other options. You could get really serious and look at a helical LSD unit for $650 from MFactory
http://www.teammfactory.com/products.ph ... LSD&mod=MZ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There are some pros and some cons to that option though. You can use your existing factory (non viscous LSD) axles but have to strip and build up the transaxle with the replacement helical LSD unit.

[ganue]

OK - I can now report that I have received, documented, installed, and driven the car (hard) with the new Mazda Lantis Type R LSD lefthand halfshaft. The halfshaft did not come with a circlip or the outer 36mm nut but the ones from the aftermarket halfshaft fit just fine.

All is well.

No leaks even after we topped off the trans with Valvoline 75W90 Synthetic, no slippage, no goofy sounds (not that I can hear with open headers still) lots of rubber in second gear - even with the LSD, and great cornering!!!

Here are pics comparing the two halfshafts - black is the aftermarket unit for a stock MX-3 and the green unit is the Mazda OEM Lantis Type R LSD halfshaft.....





Please ask questions or post info as I plan on writing this all up succinctly for my future Mazda OE LSD-equipped KLZE brethren....

[wytbishop]

You get a gold star and a golf clap. That's solid work.

[Mooneggs]

You get a gold star and a golf clap. That's solid work.

x2 excellent documentation

[Acheron1502]

Having visited ganue this past weekend and experiencing this beast in person, all i have to say is
Way To Go

... now, if I could only remember where I planted that money tree

[Mnemonic]

Yay!!! I was right a long time ago lol its like I already knew they would work...

[mx3autozam]

Where can I get this axle? I woukd love to run the lantis type r tranny

[ganue]

Look above - all the info and links are there to describe and get the halfshaft....haven't checked the links recently but it should work....get ready to drop big $$$ though....

[ganue]

OK - here's how I did it. The guys at Japan Parts are great. They know their business. Basically they will direct ship anything that is available in Japan even if they go straight to the dealer to get parts - as they did for me. THIS IS NOT CHEAP but it is cheaper than a flight to Tokyo!!!

Go here:

http://www.japanparts.com/our_parts_other.html

And use the information below to get the lefthand Lantis Type R Halfshaft:


Untitled by ganue, on Flickr

Note the price (check the exchange rate - this was in 2009, add about 15% for their profit):


Untitled by ganue, on Flickr

Today, 10/27/2012, 1 yen = $ 0.0126, so these damned thing costs, in today's dollars $559.41. So be forewarned!!