Mk4 IRS

[Jeff's First FFR]

I am just about to order. Wondering if is worth it to get a take out IRS from someone like "The Parts Farm" with brakes for about $600 or go all new for about $2200.

[edwardb]

Like everything, it depends. Like your budget, your build plan, what diff you're looking for, how much you like rehabbing parts, etc. Deals are out there for salvage parts. $600 sounds a little low for the ratios that are often used though. Plus don't forget shipping will add to the total. Typically truck LTL for an IRS pallet. Figure out what you need first and go shopping. Those are durable parts. The right low mileage / decent condition parts will work fine.

[chuckster]

What he said. I got a used (6000 miles) take out from TPF and it worked fine for me. Painted the calipers and since I was going. With 17”s, the brakes fit great.

[Jeff's First FFR]

Thank you both. Yes looks like The Parts Farm is a good deal. I can avoid shipping because it is a days drive for me from St. Johns Florida. Then I can inspect it before taking it . Thanks to all.

[edwardb]

Thank you both. Yes looks like The Parts Farm is a good deal. I can avoid shipping because it is a days drive for me from St. Johns Florida. Then I can inspect it before taking it . Thanks to all.

I've read several cases where guys thought they got great deals on these but then found they had incompatible parts or not what they really wanted/needed. So do your homework and determine which diff fits your build plan before buying. There are four ratios from 3.15 to 3.73, which makes a big difference in the final product. With your plan for a Boss 302 and TKO (from another thread) I'd probably recommend 3.55. But 3.31 could work too. I'd recommend avoiding the 3.15 (not an ideal ratio, that diff ratio can't be changed like all the others) and the 3.73 which also isn't likely your best choice plus will be Torsen and more expensive. You'll also find there are iron and aluminum case versions. Both work OK. The iron case is heavier though. Also there are differences in brakes. I would think you'd want the larger version used on V-8's. But again do your homework considering the wheel size you're planning.