This page is dedicated to helping our customers build the least expensive torque arm / solid axle conversion (TASA conversion) for their 1st or 2nd gen RX-7. The following combinations are based on common Ford 8.8 housings and axles, but requires "narrowing" 1 or both of the axle tubes to achieve the proper brake offset. It is possible (and preferred) to use the stock 2nd gen 5lug rear brake calipers and rotors as they are vented and lighter than any Ford brake we have found. Minor machine work is required on the axles to use these brakes, but it is simple lathe work to reduce the flange diameter to fit inside the RX-7 rotors.
The image below will be used to define the specifications and modifications required.

Combination #1...53-1/2" wide wheelflange/wheelflange...
...Narrowed (1 side only) 4.0 Liter Ranger 8.8 housing w/ Ranger drum brakes
This combo is the least expensive and is as simple as narrowing the left axle tube to the same length as the right axle tube, and replacing the existing left axle with another short right axle. Both axles used are 26-1/4" long, 28 spline, 5 lug axles from the right side (rear axle) of any 7.5" or 8.8" 2wd or 4wd Ford Ranger made before 1993. Although you could perform these modifications to a 7.5" ranger rear, only the 4.0 liter ranger came with the stronger 8.8 housing. The same axles are used in both the 7.5 and 8.8 pre-'93 ranger rears, and are interchangable.
The Ranger rear originally had a lot of right pinion offset. When finished, the pinion will have a much smaller 9/16" offset. An adjustable rear brake proportioning valve is highly recommended, and e-brake cables will need modification to hook them up. Your Ranger rear will most likely come with 3.55 or 3.73 gears, and if the tag on the rear cover bolt has an "L" (like 3L55 or 3L73), the "L" means that it came with a limited slip.
...A= 53-1/4"
...CR= 15-15/16" (stock length, no modification required)
...CL= 15-15/16" (cut to same length as right tube)
...ER= 11.500"
...EL= 11.500"
...a longer driveshaft
...15x8" wheels w/ 3" backspace
...lug pattern 5 on 4-1/2" (same as 5 lug RX-7 but with 1/2" lugs)
...use stock Ranger drum brakes

Optional specs for above rear using 2nd gen RX-7 5 lug brakes...
Both axle tubes will need to be narrowed to achieve the correct brake offset. The Ranger 8.8 housing is not an absolute requirement, as the wider Mustang, Aerostar, solid axle T-Bird, and crown Vic housings can be used if they are narrowed to the specifications listed below. Avoid full size truck and Explorer housings, as they use larger axle bearings, and are not compatible with the small bearing Ranger axles.
...A= 53-1/4"
...B= 2.565" (2nd gen RX-7 brakes)
...CR= 15.875"
...CL= 15.875"
...ER= 11.500"
...EL= 11.500"
...FD= 5.850" (2nd gen RX-7 brakes)
...PD= 2.600" (2nd gen RX-7 brakes)
...a pair of our RX-7 brake brackets
...a longer driveshaft
...15x8" wheels w/ 3" backspace
...lug pattern 5 on 4-1/2" (same as 5 lug RX-7 but with 1/2" lugs)
...drill rotors out for 1/2" lug studs