Gear swap questions.

Topic: Gear swap questions. (Read 1300 times) previous topic - next topic

Gear swap questions.

February 21, 2010, 01:23:05 PM

I am getting ready to order some 3.73 Richmond Gears for my 88 Thunderbird Sport.

I just wanted to make sure when going from the factory AOD 2.73 to the 3.73 gears that the proper Driver Gear to get my speedo correct would be a 23 tooth gear.

Also when it comes to installing the ring and pinion gears, is this something that a handyman can do, or is it best left to a professional with the right tools? I dont want to hear the gears, or atlest not that much.

Thanks.

Gear swap questions.

Reply #1 – February 21, 2010, 02:04:35 PM

If you don't know how to set the lash, then I'd probably recommend a pro doing it, I don't think I'd tackle rear gears by myself...

Here's a chart that someone linked me to awhile back when I was figuring out what I needed:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/download/charts/129.pdf

Gear swap questions.

Reply #2 – February 21, 2010, 02:22:57 PM

You will definably need a dial indicator. It's not real hard, you do need to understand a wear pattern so you can adjust the shims the right way. Here's one place to study.
http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5ohcpa/cpa5ohtech001.htm

Gear swap questions.

Reply #3 – February 21, 2010, 07:40:23 PM

A local shop put the 3.73's into my 7.5 rear for about 300 bucks. They have all the right tools to do it and it was done in a day. Was driving it the next day.

My buddy wants to put the LSD and 3.73 gears into my Toyota 6.7 rear this summer, so I figured I should learn!

He does have all the tools.

Chris

Gear swap questions.

Reply #4 – February 21, 2010, 09:07:21 PM

Buy the FORD gears they are much quiter and easier to set correctly

Just my 2 cents

Gear swap questions.

Reply #5 – February 21, 2010, 11:50:36 PM

I am a do-it-myself kind of person. I bought my dial gauge and magnetic base from Harbor Freight. Aside from some large sockets and 3/2-jaw puller it wasn't all that difficult. Read through the guide here:
http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html

I highly advise making a set of set-up bearings:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144780

My gears were used ford units. They are still quiet and running good. I just pulled a set of 3.73s from a 02 ford explorer sport track in the junkyard to go in my cougar.

Also use an air ratchet (not impact) to spin the pinion when checking the contact pattern. Apply a little resistance to the ring gear with your thumb to really make the pattern show up.

I had the axle out from under the car which made life alot easier.

Gear swap questions.

Reply #6 – February 26, 2010, 12:25:47 PM

The price from a local recommended garage was good, so i will let the professional do it.

My other question would be for an automatic, what gear would everybody go with?

This car is a fun car only, city and country cruises. Will 3:73s satisfy the accelerator in me?? or should i go 4:10s or more??

Gear swap questions.

Reply #7 – February 26, 2010, 03:23:51 PM

3.73 would be a better choice, unless you're planning on doing a lot of racing.

Gear swap questions.

Reply #8 – February 26, 2010, 05:43:54 PM

I am almost certain on the 3:73s.

Looking online at Summit Racing, the Richmond 4:10 gears say they require a different cross pin, and that they wont work with the Auburn Carrier.

Is the carrier the traction lock module?? so without switching out the traction lock module i am limited to 3:73??

Do i have this right?

Gear swap questions.

Reply #9 – February 26, 2010, 06:04:16 PM

You can put 4.10s on a stock carrier (which is the traction lock module). Is this a DD? I don't think I would put 410s on a DD. I have 355s in my SC and they provide pretty good scoot. I plan on putting 373s in my T5 weekend warrior.

Gear swap questions.

Reply #10 – February 26, 2010, 06:27:02 PM

Its a dedicated fun car for the street and country cruises.

Automatic.

So then our 7.5 Ford rear ends do not have Auburn carriers.