Reference for Rear Diff Setup
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 61
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Reference for Rear Diff Setup
I am contemplating changing the gears in my rear diff from 2.73 to probably a 3.73 ratio. Being the cheap guy that I am, I would like to attempt this myself. I know better than to just throw them in due to a failed attempt when I was younger and not quite as experienced in the ways of the world.
That said, does anyone know of any good sources of information online that provide detailed instructions of do's and do not's for gear installations? Possibly a good book that is available?
Thanks
Howard
That said, does anyone know of any good sources of information online that provide detailed instructions of do's and do not's for gear installations? Possibly a good book that is available?
Thanks
Howard
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Reference for Rear Diff Setup
I don't know what axle you have, but either way, it is very difficult (for the uneducated) and you need special tools to be able to do it. If it's an 8.8, you can get a video on how to rebuild one, that shows you how to set the preload and backlash. If you have 4x4, you have to change gears front and rear. You can get a good set of rear gears from summit racing (get the ford racing ones) for about 200 bucks.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.
Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 807
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From: -
Reference for Rear Diff Setup
2.73 to 3.73?!?!? I hope you have some larger tires to go with that swap. That is way too large of a change to not. You will bounce off your rev limiter at 65 on the highway all the time if you do that high of a change without adding larger tires. I have a buddy who went from 2.75 to 3.55 in his camero to get better accel. He got it, man the car was fast, but when cruisin at 65 on the highway and he dropped a gear to pass, the rev limiter kicked in and the car lost about 15 mph. His top speed was also dropped to 74.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 61
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Reference for Rear Diff Setup
The truck has a 300 inline six with a Mazda 5 speed. The 2.73 gears with the high speed 1st gear in the tranny are not very good for pulling off the line. This truck will be pulling a substantial trailer and I need more power on the bottom end. I don't necessarily need speed. If I can cruise at 60 - 65 I'm happy. The truck doesn't actually see the highway without a trailer very much. I was originally looking at 3.55 gears which would drop my 5th down to about what my 4th gear is now. It will help with 1st quite a bit but it still isn't the bull low that I would like.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 936
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From: Bay area
Reference for Rear Diff Setup
if you have over drive put in the 373's or even 4.10's
I am sure that camaro had only 1:1 final drive out of the tranny with small tires.
I only have a 4spd, before I put on bigger tires, my vechile came stock with 3.5's and 235r15. not that big of a tire in my mind. it turned about 3000rpms @ 70mph, no over drive just a final drive of 1:1.
Right now I am thinking of going to 4.56's
I am sure that camaro had only 1:1 final drive out of the tranny with small tires.
I only have a 4spd, before I put on bigger tires, my vechile came stock with 3.5's and 235r15. not that big of a tire in my mind. it turned about 3000rpms @ 70mph, no over drive just a final drive of 1:1.
Right now I am thinking of going to 4.56's
