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.
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
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
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
Buy the FORD gears they are much quiter and easier to set correctly
Just my 2 cents
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.
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??
3.73 would be a better choice, unless you're planning on doing a lot of racing.
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?
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.
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.