Preparing myself for the inevitable...

I've been poking around this site, Google, and YouTube for a good set of DETAILED instructions on how to swap 3.73 for 4.30 axle ratios (ring and pinion swap) but have come up empty so far.

Anyone happen to know of a good site/link?

 

What you're looking for is a Sterling 10.5" swap, and a Dana 60 swap. Trouble is, it's a rather intricate operation.

The best source is Ford's service manuals. I've looked through a few of them, especially related to the 8.8" for my '96 T-bird, and found that many of the aftermarket service manuals just copied almost word-for-word the Ford manuals.

 

So you're saying I'll have to swap out the ENTIRE axle and not just the ring and pinion?

 

Not at all, just that the Ford service manual is probably the best source for how to R&R the ring and pinion.

 

Oh, ok. Thanks for clarifying.

 

A bit more searching and Googling reveals this is probably a job I should leave to the experts. I'm handy with a wrench and my garage has a good array of tools. But I have none of the specialized tools needed to perform this job and I've never before performed a ring and pinion swap. Considering how much my V10 will be hauling/towing in the coming years, I've pretty much concluded that I'll be better off mentally to have it professionally built.

Now to decide on whether to go with 4.30 or 4.56. Lots and lots of posts with VERY satisfied 4.56 owners. But overall it seems that 4.56 results in ~1mpg loss at 65-75 mph. And I drive my truck empty enough at those speeds that I may not be willing to give that up. I think 4.30 (combined with new Y-pipe and tunes from Mike) will still be more than adequate for hauling my 4000# truck camper and 2500# ATV trailer.