Mr. Francesco

we need to get a GB going for the 4.44's

bluesaint

the mazda 4.44's are actually extremely hard to locate. The supply has been nearly exhausted. This info is from mazda comp division directly when a friend tried to get a replacement for his Spec Miata.

So if you can get your hands on it, don't hesistate.

Brownergy

Why would this save you money, wouldn't you research this kinda stuff on your own before making a purchase? Yes the Rick's and J's Racing gears are the exact same thing, I thought this was common knowledge to begin with. I don't know why anyone would buy J's Racing gears for almost twice the price of the Ricks without finding what the differences between them are. Oh, I remember now, If they are made by J's Racing they must be superior.

Now the Ricks 4.57 (fabed by Richmond) is a stronger gear. It is not a Mazda gear. Also, if you want a 4.77 or 4.44 but are worried about strength, you can have them cryotreated to be a little stronger.

Mr. Francesco

cyro treating really doesn't manke them any better, its more of a piece of mind...they still break...

Brownergy

I do agree that parts still break, but cryo-treating does increase strength and helps reduce wear.

xviper

I have those same J's 4.44s in my car. I also paid big bucks for them, but then, it was at a time when there wasn't much information on this sort of product. This was almost 3 years ago. In my case, even though I paid big money, at least I've had the pleasure of using them all this time. I have no regrets.

jiggagnome

Xviper, Are you FI? If so how have these gears held up, I have seen many discussions on NOT to get these gears because they are so weak, if you go FI
thanks

GoFaassttt

I've had the 4.44's on for 35k miles with 25k of those sc'd. No problems with the gears or diff (stock). I change the diff fluid about every other oil change.

xviper

Yes, and like GoFaassttt, I've had this combination for some time, maybe not as many miles as him, but still considerable. I have had no issues with the diff. Even the oil analysis has shown that wear is well within accepted limits for a NA car. I change the fluid annually. The car puts on about 10K a year.
I haven't seen such discussions. Furthermore, I've not actually seen reports where these 4.44s have grenaded at all. Only ones where it involved the stock gears.

SocratesDTC

correct me if I'm wrong, but you compare an american product versus an imported product. have you ever thought that MAYBE (not sure) for the European and Japanese people (me) , the J's racing Final Gear is almost the same price as the one from Rick?