Hi Gary,

Yes, a 7" locker with dual bolt patterns for both 7" ring gears and 7.5" ring gears with a spacer ring would be best, especially if it was available in either 26 or 28 spline side gears. That would allow use in the front or rear and even the option of 7.5" in the front with a rear 3rd member housing (or with a front housing and a 7.5" pinion if we find that that would fit).

I really think the most practical combination would be an ARB in the rear with the origional 7.5" ring gear (and a spacer ring) and either a '94+ Miata LSD or a '84+ RX7 non-turbo LSD in the front with the origional 7" ring gear. The Miata or RX7 LSD's are more common than the 26 spline Sportage LSD's and don't need a rear 3rd member housing added to the front. The rear ARB could still be used in the front but I think more people would trust the reliability of the drivetrain (especially the CV joints) more with a LSD instead of a locker in the front.


Ron Schroeder
Long Island NY
99 4DR auto Sportage, 30x950R15 tires, 3/4" strut spacer, rear air springs, Manual Hubs, FRONT Torsen LSD
00 Safari AWD, 2" lift, 30x9.50 tires, 4x4 conversion in progress
73 Pinzgauer Swiss Army troop carrier