 In my goal to lower my ET at the drag strip I have opted to go with some 3.73 rear end gears. The guys over at Late Model Restoration where all about helping me go faster. They shipped out a Mustang 8.8″ 3.73 Ratio Rear End Gear KitThis kit includes the hardware, rear end gears, bearings, shims, but also includes all of the software: gasket, seals, marking compound, gear oil, and the friction modifier needed to get the job done.
These components are Ford Racing’s heavy duty rear axle ring and pinion set.This is a very technical and difficult modification. I worked with the guys over at MC Racing to help me install this. So these photos and instructions are from an observation point of view. This is not a detailed installation article. Hopefully it will help to serve someone as a decision maker before you tackle this job yourself. Most likely you will want to get some professional help. This job will greatly be less complicated if you use a lift versus trying to just use jack stands. For more information take a look at the Moser Wavetrac differential install. |
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Here is the gear and Pinion just opened. |
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After getting the car in the air take off the rear wheels. |
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You will want to separate the sway-bar end links as well as the pan hard bar in order to gain clear access to the housing. |
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Then remove the rear housing cover. |
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Be sure you have your oil drain pan placed underneath. |
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Here is a clear shot with the cover off. |
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Then you can remove the main caps on each side. |
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Pull your axles out. |
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In order to pull the gears out you will also have to undo the back of the drive-shaft in order to get at the pinion gear. |
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Here is the pinion gear removed from the housing. |
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You will need to press the bearing onto the pinion gear. |
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First you will install the pinion gear. |
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The rear axle bearings will sit here. |
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Put the gears back in and torque the main caps back down. |
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Now check your wear pattern. You will paint a few teeth and then spin it around so it makes contact with the pinion gear. |
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If you are happy with the pattern then bolt the rear cover back on. If not then you have to remove the it all including pinion gear and add a shim to it.
This can be very time consuming. If its not set up just perfectly then the gears will howl. |
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Then fill with gear oil. |
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Reassemble the rest. |