Transfercase Confusion

matt_krebs

matt_krebs

Greenie N00B Member
Greenie Member
Important Edit: My rambling here is not important. Find the message from @Sho it shows all seals needed to re-build the MS6 transfer case. If you just want to half-ass the job the only parts that truly need to be replaced when using a CX7 transfer case in an MS6 are as follows:
  • passenger side inner seal: LN01-27-398
  • passenger side outer seal: LN01-27-398
  • driver side inner seal: LN01-27-238
  • (optional) driver side outer seal: A610-27-397
Note, both the half shaft (LN01-27-700E) and the drive gear (LN01-27-392) need to be swapped from the original MS6 case when doing the conversion.


I hope that I didn't screw myself here... I recently purchased a 2008 Mazda CX 7 transfer case from a pick and pull near me and am having doubts if it will fit my 2007 Speed 6 after closer inspection.

Some backstory: I am starting to hear grinding noises from what I assume to be my transfer case on my Speed 6 and after some very confusing and conflicting research came to the conclusion that CX 7 transfer cases are the same as Speed 6s. They both have the same part number (2700B) and appear to be identical on Jim Ellis Mazda Parts. Below are two links showing the OEM "front differentials" (as Jim Ellis likes to call them).

2007 Speed 6 Transfer case
2008 CX7 Transfercase

Now comes the confusing part. After getting the transfer case home I realized that there appears to be a second gear surrounding the input shaft. Below is a picture from a 2008 CX 7 transfer case being sold on eBay that appears to have the same trait. Of which, I do not believe the Speed 6 has.

The input shaft is on the left of this image.

r8FwIqu.jpg


BUT!! here is another image I grabbed from an eBay post of a different 2008 CX 7 transfer case for sale that does not appear to have the ring. From videos I have watched of people removing Speed 6 transfer cases I believe this style is what is needed for my Speed 6.

Note that the orientation of this picture is different as the input shaft is at the bottom of the image.

mxVfbJN.jpg


Am I mistaken or are there two variants of the same transfer case for the same model year?? I can not find a reference to this anywhere online and am quite frustrated with that if it is the case. Confusingly, even the two eBay pages that I found these images from had the same fitment lists. Even worse, if only one version fits on the Speed 6 platform (and there is no way to confirm which variant is on the car until removal) it makes using a CX 7 transfer case impractical.

I was really excited about the opportunity to use a CX 7 transfer case because they are a SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper option. I hope someone more intelligent than me on this platform can explain what is happening and if I have completely dug myself a hole here.

Worst case scenario I guess I can sell the transfer case I have my hands-on and purchase the one shown in the picture above that I am sure has the correct input shaft.
 
Last edited:
You will need to remove input shaft from the MS6 and put that in the cc-7 one. A new clip too if I remember correctly. There were instructions on the old site but it’s down. I have them printed somewhere but I can’t find them now. I think something else needs to be done as well. I can’t remember. Clint will know.
 
Attached is a pdf download of the old thread. It is kinda confusing though since at points there seem to be remarks that contradict what was said earlier in the post/ thread.

What I got from it though is that I need to replace my passenger (inner) side seal for sure (LN01-27-238). Also, I need to replace the driver side inner seal (LN01-27-238). What is the story with the outer seals? The write up specifically says that the outer seal on the driver side (A610-27-397) does NOT need to be replaced because Speed 6s didn't include one to begin with. Is this also the case with the passenger side?

As to what other parts I need to replace/ re-use I am not sure. At first, it seems like I need to remove my driveshaft flange but it says later that longer bolts will suffice. Is this true?

@Funkster777 , when you say "input shaft" do you mean the skinnier rod that passes through the drive gear or the drive gear itself. (Note: since my original post I have learned that the drive gear is the outer gear shown in the first image of my original post)
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Can someone also confirm the part numbers I included in the previous post? Because when watching these videos.
MazdaSpeed 6 Transfer case Billet Cap Install Reseal how too Part 1
MazdaSpeed 6 Transfer case Billet Cap Install Reseal how too Part 2
He claims that the passenger seals are LN01-27-514 for the inner and LN01-27-398 for the outer and that the driver side seal is LN01-27-238.

Edit: These part numbers are correct and if anyone wants to replace the unnecessary driver side outer seal, the number is LN01-27-624.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Sho
Thank you @Sho. That diagram confirms the part numbers quoted in the two videos I linked (Assuming that the last digit to the outer passenger side seal is an '8'). It appears to be missing a number.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sho
Hi there, did you figure out the confusion between the two different types of transfer cases? Can i buy the one with the second gear around the input shaft?
 
@silverman6222 Yes, I figured out the difference. The answer is that there is no difference. The outer ring is the input drive gear for the transfer unit, the power going to the rear wheels is sent through it. The inner gear is the joint shaft which sends power to the front passenger wheel. Some people remove the input drive gear before selling because it is incredibly easy to do and the CX 7 and MS6 are different sizes. Likewise, the joint shaft is often removed. Neither of these pieces can be easily damaged, so if you have a broken transfer case on your car the best thing to do is swap them over from your existing setup and not pay attention to if the seller is including them.

I have nothing to sell atm and do not believe I would be allowed to--on this form--even if I did. It is funny that you ask that because I actually have an extra laying around that I am trying to repair because I bought it from a guy on the internet who ripped me off by sending a slightly broken one.

Make sure when you do buy one you don't make the same mistake as me: confirm that the pre-load of the output drive flange (the piece attached to the driveshaft) is within spec. From the Transaxle manual I have, that means it should begin turning with a torque of 7.9-12.1 in/lbf. This can be measured with a sensitive torque wrench and a 26mm socket.
 
Once I have repaired the extra transfer case I have and replaced the broken one in my car (who knows how long that all will take) I plan on making a more informative and organized post on the MS6 How-To thread with all of the knowledge I have gathered through this experience and have attempted to share here. @Sho do I have your permission to use the image you linked earlier when I get around to making the new post?
 
matt_krebs said:
Once I have repaired the extra transfer case I have and replaced the broken one in my car (who knows how long that all will take) I plan on making a more informative and organized post on the MS6 How-To thread with all of the knowledge I have gathered through this experience and have attempted to share here. @Sho do I have your permission to use the image you linked earlier when I get around to making the new post?
Click to expand...
Have at it!
 
matt_krebs said:
Once I have repaired the extra transfer case I have and replaced the broken one in my car (who knows how long that all will take) I plan on making a more informative and organized post on the MS6 How-To thread with all of the knowledge I have gathered through this experience and have attempted to share here. @Sho do I have your permission to use the image you linked earlier when I get around to making the new post?
Click to expand...
Did this ever happen? Bringing this back from the dead as I need to do this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top