explorer vs cobra rear end

[DJ-MC]

so im done building my Ls FD and im moving to building the rear now....don't know if to go with the explorer or cobra differential or if there is something better.any advice would be appreciated 

[Ruler_Mark]

Sambergs swap kit requires the 03/04 cobra center section and inner cups
Ronin has a swap kit in the pipeline that requires newer explorer center section and inner cups

The only other options are ford 8.8 and 9in SRA swaps which then take away alot of the feel of the rx7 and are more for drag purposes cars.

[largeorangefont]

Go Explorer with Ronin FD swap kit. The design is a bit better and stronger, and Explorer rear ends are easier and cheaper to come by.

[DJ-MC]

Sambergs swap kit requires the 03/04 cobra center section and inner cups
Ronin has a swap kit in the pipeline that requires newer explorer center section and inner cups

The only other options are ford 8.8 and 9in SRA swaps which then take away alot of the feel of the rx7 and are more for drag purposes cars.

Go Explorer with Ronin FD swap kit. The design is a bit better and stronger, and Explorer rear ends are easier and cheaper to come by.

thank you guys

[nofxrxmxpx]

I have an 04 cobra diff and axles I would sell. Off a totalled 04 with 24k miles. Been hanging on to this baby for 6 years now haha.

[frijolee]

Ronin has a swap kit in the pipeline that requires newer explorer center section and inner cups

FYI: we're not just in the pipeline anymore.  The first six kits are out the door, we have a few left in stock and have started the fab to make more.  Took the pictures for the Ronin website on Saturday so it should be up soon.

$1199 + shipping outright
+$775 as an upgrade if you're also buying a Samberg kit powdered and added to by Ronin.

[mefarri]

And then all you need is the diff itself right?

[65imp]

You need the diff, the inner ford cv ends and the outer Mazda cv ends.   You should have the Mazda stuff, and you can shop for inner Ford ends with the diff you purchase.

[DJ-MC]

Can you send me the link to your website

[65imp]

www.roninspeedworks.com

[mdpalmer]

Can the Ronin guys help source an exploder center section and inners for a fee?  It's not clear to me how easy it is to find these units. And how many of them are around.

[largeorangefont]

You need a 2006-2010 Explorer rear diff for the FD conversion.

Search on eBay for "2006 explorer carrier rear" there are a bunch on there now for $250 to $300 shipped with 3.73 or 3.55 gears. You'll have to ask some of the sellers for a pic of the axle tag or confirmation of an LSD differential. Factor in the cost of swapping diffs if you get a unit with an open diff. New Cobra spec LSD diffs are $220 shipped.

If you can't get them to send a pic of the axle tag, tell them to send a picture if the vin tag in the door jamb and look at the axle code.

42= 4.10 Open Diff
45= 3.55 Open Diff
46= 3.73 Open Diff
D2= 4.10 Limited Slip
D4= 3.73 Limited Slip
D5= 3.55 Limited Slip

As for the half shafts, any IRS 2002-2010 Explorer half shaft will work. Again, there are tons of used ones on eBay, or they can be bought from an auto parts store or rock auto and cannibalized. With creative eBay searching you can find them from $30 to $60 dollars each shipped. I've even seen fresh pairs for $100 shipped.

Search for "explorer cv rear", "explorer rear halfshaft", etc.

[wickedrx7]

You need a 2006-2010 Explorer rear diff for the FD conversion.

Search on eBay for "2006 explorer carrier rear" there are a bunch on there now for $250 to $300 shipped with 3.73 or 3.55 gears. You'll have to ask some of the sellers for a pic of the axle tag or confirmation of an LSD differential. Factor in the cost of swapping diffs if you get a unit with an open diff. New Cobra spec LSD diffs are $220 shipped.

As for the half shafts, any IRS 2002-2010 Explorer half shaft will work. Again, there are tons of used ones on eBay, or they can be bought from an auto parts store or rock auto and cannibalized. With creative eBay searching you can find them from $30 to $60 dollars each shipped. I've even seen fresh pairs for $100 shipped.

Search for "explorer cv rear", "explorer rear halfshaft", etc.

One cost you failed to add is the cost to have the cobra spec LSD installed.  And the LSD seems to be pretty rare in the 2006-10 options.  Just and FYI. 

[largeorangefont]

Factor in the cost of swapping diffs if you get a unit with an open diff.

One cost you failed to add is the cost to have the cobra spec LSD installed.  And the LSD seems to be pretty rare in the 2006-10 options.  Just and FYI. 

 

[wickedrx7]

Factor in the cost of swapping diffs if you get a unit with an open diff.

One cost you failed to add is the cost to have the cobra spec LSD installed.  And the LSD seems to be pretty rare in the 2006-10 options.  Just and FYI.