i have a zexel posi and 3.42 gear for my 89 formula. went to install it and found out i have 26 spline axles. if i want to finish the install, i need a set of 28 spline axles. found a set for 100.00. figure another 75.00 for axle bearings and seals.

i also have a set of 4th gen slp firehawk rims. i plan on putting them on in the future, but want to get more use out of the nearly new michelon pilots i have on the car before i do. my original plan was to use a set of spacers to fit the 4th gen rims to my third gen. they'll cost around 200.00

i've also found a rearend out of a 2000 ss z28 with 3.42 gears and disk brakes for 400.00. i'm thinking it'd make more sense to buy that rearend, sell the zexel posi and save the money on the rear spacers i'll eventually need to fit the 4th gen rims to the car. i'll also have the benefit of the disk brakes too.

my only reservation to that is not being able to get my use out of the tires on my third gen rims. i was looking at the tech article on doing the rearend swap and it looks like he says the third gen wheels and tires will still fit, but will stick out more. is this correct? if so, it sure looks like it'd make a lot more sense to go to the 4th gen rear.

another question ... the 4th gen rear is set up for abs. will that still work in my non-abs third gen?

 

Go with the 4th gen rear. Better bang for the buck.
3rd gen wheels stick out a bit, but just wear out the tires and put the 4th gen ones on. Just make sure your springs and shocks in the back are in good shape otherwise you will tear up your tires that are on your thirdgen wheels.

this is a pic of my friends car with 3rd gen wheels and a 4th gen rear.

 

Zepher,

What size of tires are those in that pic? Did your friend have any problems with rocks chipping the rear paint?

 

Those are stock size 245/50/16.
I don't think it's chipping yet, but it probably will start eventually.