Gear Ratio Difference
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
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From: North Dakota
Gear Ratio Difference
I have been checking out the other topics about gear ratios. I have an 88 302 with stock gears. I am not sure what ratio they are but it is quite sluggish off the line. If I hear the tires chirp even in water off the line I am excited! I know it is pretty sad. I take my Bronco out on the Interstate here and there. So I still want to be able to do 85. It sounds like 3.73 gears would be the best for me or are there any others? Could I even tell a difference with 3.73? Also is it true you have to change the front diff. gears at the same time? If so how much would a set cost for front and back and where could i find some. Are there any tricks to installing them, I have done spider gears before but not these. Sorry for all the questions.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 86
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From: Concord NC
You will have to change the front diff gears at the same time if you want to be able to use 4wd. Gear sets for both front and rear would be btw $300 and $500 or so depending on the ratio and quality. It's a good idea to put new bearings in when you do the swap, so get the rebuild kits too. As far as tricks go, just get the pinion preload and backlash right when you install. This is not an easy project as it is easy to get it wrong and the results can be pretty ugly. As far as what kind of difference you'll notice, it depends on what ratio you have now. If you have 3.08 (or whatever the short gear is) then a 3.73 will make a good bit of difference. If you have 3.55's, then a 3.73 wont be very noticeable. I'v done several gear swaps, and am getting ready to do one on my bronc. For example, I have a 302, manual tranny and 33's. My stock gear is a 3.55. I'm going with 4.10's as these will make the final drive ratio close to what it was with the stock tires. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 150
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From: NC
Also... the difference between your stock gearset and your future gearset may cause you to have to get different carriers. This is a swap you don't want to mess up, or try to save money on.
Like everyone else said, if you are at 3.55:1, going to 3.73:1 is a waste. You need to make at least a two gear range jump to be worthwhile. More if you are changing or have changed tires.
Good thing about a gear change is it gives you a difference everywhere. So you may as well go for it.
While you are at it, think about different differentials (ie limited slip, detroit locker, etc). No sense in pulling it all apart again.
Dan Q
Like everyone else said, if you are at 3.55:1, going to 3.73:1 is a waste. You need to make at least a two gear range jump to be worthwhile. More if you are changing or have changed tires.
Good thing about a gear change is it gives you a difference everywhere. So you may as well go for it.
While you are at it, think about different differentials (ie limited slip, detroit locker, etc). No sense in pulling it all apart again.
Dan Q
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
I already said I have a 302 but I do have 31x10.50 tires but I should be getting some 32's soon. I don't know the official term but both tires spin When I put it in 4-low and leave the hubs unlocked.
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