Looking around I seem to get mixed messages about what rear end I should be putting in. I'm starting to think maybe I should be looking outside the box and getting something made up instead of going bolt on english/atlas. I'm still undecided on what power I want to put threw it but I'd rather sort the rear end out now than post in 12 months time saying I grenaded the diff while lining up at the base of the hill. Assume 300hp and I'd be very hard on the diff with constant launches with sticky rubber.
 
If you could do over, what would you have done? What did you do? Ideally I'd like it light, strong and with lots of options for internals. 5 stud falcon diff and getting the hoppers stoppers fronts? What options aren't I considering?
 
Trent

Hilux

Hilux was the first option I looked at but they're proving hard to find, especially here in WA. If anyone has one I'd definitely be interested in it, though shipping from the eastern states may make it cheaper to have a diff custom made from magnesium 

Early Volvo 240 diff is another option I've read, but a shortened BW78 (falcon, commo, r31 skyline/pintara etc) probably the most accessible.
 
You can always get a longer Hilux diff and shorten it, but you'll need to sort out axles as the standard hilux axles are tapered at the end so can only be shortened so far. So you may need to buy new axles anyway.
 
 

Late 70-80s courier/Mazda b1600,LSD,good ratio options
 
 

Is there any reason people aren't going shortened Ford 8 3/4? I've also heard an Alfa 105 diff will fit but I don't have the next 5 years to dedicate to that search. It seems with these diffs any saving I might initially have would immediately vanish the second I start looking for the right LSD ratio and I would still have a much weaker diff than the 8 3/4. Would running such a diff exclude me from a popular racing category that a Atlas/Hilux/Mazda diff wouldn't?
 
I'm heading down to a diff place tomorrow to ask questions but is there anything I'm not considering? On a somewhat related note what's the weight distribution of a stock Mk1?
 
Trent

Escorts tend to be nose heavy if that what your getting at. But i wouldn't be using that as a means to add more weight than you have to.
 

I`ve always heard and believed that the hilux diffs are bullet proof in an escort, capable of handling any amount of power they might put out. Best bit is you can get two widths, one is identicle to the escort and the other is about 20 mm wider. I`ve seen them handle a hot V6 easily.
 

hilux is heavy but as said should take the punishment...Eurospeed in Qld do Hilux conversions for Escorts

Another tick from me re Hilux diffs