9d7gst

I know what I will gain by this. (Disk brakes, LSD) But is it a bolt up deal? Im thinking I will have problems with the E-brake cables. But what about the drive shaft? Will it bolt right up? I also have the transmission and drive shaft to go with it. Does the 85 have different ratios?
I dont want to pull the 85 out, (on the ground) drag it over to the shop, only to find out I need to buy bits and pieces to make it work.

82mazdarx7

I did the same thing on my 82. I took a axle from a 85 and swaped it out. Everything bolts up the same. You will have to swap the drive shaft as well, because it bolts to the differential differently. Also you will have to swap out the e-brake cables. I think I just replaced the back portion. There are two cables that meet about half way under the car. Other than that mine works great. big improvement in the braking!!!

85rotarypower

Lets first get straight what trim level your car is. If its a GSL, then it already has rear disk brakes and LSD. Anything other than that in 83 had drum rear brakes and no LSD. The SE was only made in 84-85, and really, the rear end isn't a whole lot different than a GSL rear, besides the fact that the bolt patterns for the wheels were different, and I think it had slightly larger brakes.

hornbm

Your going to need new hand brake cables. I just checked the victoria british catalog, and they have different cables listed for the GSL-SE. Its the two end cables you need to replace.

Your going to need GSL-SE w wheels obviously. You might as well put the GSL-SE front suspension while your at it. Otherwise your rims arent going to match.

If you currently have drum brakes, your going to need a new master clyinder and proportioning valve. Both of these are slightly different for the disc brake cars.

Also while the non-se cars have a final drive ratio of 3.9, the gsl-se has a 4.08 final drive. So if you want your spedometer to stay accurate, you are going to need to get the spedometer gear out from the GSL-SE transmission. Its just two bolts, not a big deal.

I dont believe the driveshaft will be a problem. Other than that, the swap is pretty straight forward. Trust me, you'll be very impressed with the results.

Oh and just so you know 85rotarypower, the main difference between the GSL and GSL-SE rear end is the final drive, Larger brakes, plus the rear discs are vented. Also the gsl-se dosent use those god awful lug bolts, it uses lug nuts.