RX8 8.8 - Complete IRS Kit w/ Standard Axles (uses Ford Inner, Mazda Outer CVs)
RX8 8.8 IRS, Complete Differential Mount Kit w/ Standard Axles
The Standard version of our RX8 8.8 here-in is our simplest RX8 rear end offering and mates a Ford Inner CV to a RX8 outer CV (from a manual trans car) using custom axle shafts. Note, if you prefer not to tear down your existing axles to donate parts--or source axles if you’re starting from an automatic trans car--you can also consider our Grande option which doesn’t need Mazda parts.
Why run Ford 8.8 diff? It's a powerhouse, substantially stronger than the factory Mazda rear end and is supported by wide range of gear ratios and LSDs. We specifically utilize parts from a 2006-2010 Ford Explorer for their strength, reliability, and availability. Our kit maintains factory like exhaust clearances.
The RX8 8.8 Standard Complete Kit includes:
• Front Mount Support Bridge (weld in)
• Rear Mount Diff Batwing Cradle (bolt on)
• 2x Custom 4340 heat treated axle bars (Ford to Mazda conversion)
• 2x EMPI CV boot kit 86-2404 (outer CV joints)
• 2x EMPI CV boot kit 86-2215 (inner CV joints)
• All Mounting Hardware
• Instructions (hosted online)
Users Will Source Their Own:
• Ford 8.8" Rear End (2006-2010 Ford Explorer) complete center section that uses the dual front pinion support.
• Ford 8.8" inner CV joints (from 2002-2010 Ford Explorer axles). Note donor axles must be OEM, not aftermarket or OEM equivalent. Typically this means sourcing used axles from a junkyard or eBay, not just the local parts store.
• Mazda FD outer CV joints (often from the car being modded, but must be from a manual transmission equipped car)
• A Driveshaft (install instructions include a variety of recommendations)
• Rx-8 rear diff isolators (user's choice of style but we like polyurethane)
A few RX8 specific notes: The Ronin 8.8 mounts intentionally spans the full lower surface of the Mazda subframe (not just certain points as a few competitor offerings do) in order to provide far less flex and therefore less wheel hop.
There is a subframe difference between S1 (2003-2008) and S2 (2009-2012) RX8s. The front upper crossbar on the S1 RX8 has an open bottom that the Ronin front mount nestles up into. The S2 subframe is a box section, so users will trim down the Ronin provided front mount to weld to the lower surface of the subframe rather than it being nestled within.
The dual front mount for the 2006-2020 Explorer is a stronger load path but the kit is compatible with an Explorer 2002-2005 single front mount diff if required. The RX8 kit will eliminate the Mazda Power Plant Frame (PPF), so if you’re still running a Renesis a dedicated transmission mount will be required.
Performance and Durability.
How much power will it hold? We typically recommend the standard version for anyone making up to 600 whp. More than that (or drag racing / drifting) we recommend you consider our Grande version for increased capacity. Regardless, all Ronin shafts come with a warranty support program so if you do break one we can get you a replacement at reduced cost (see https://roninspeedworks.com/pages/axle-warranty-support for full details).
Elevate your performance with the Ronin RX8 8.8 Standard Complete Kit