373's in a 5.0 with AOD?

I have yet to make it around to modding my drive train, but I just came across an opportunity to get some new 373's at real good price. But if I buy them I am going to want to put them in (I am like a kid sometimes). My question is, this dude told me it would be useless to put 373s in anything automatic. Is this true? If so why? I really want to build my auto up real good just go against the grain. Any insight appreciated as all ways.
 
I installed mine a little while ago. It made a big difference in how the car drives, much more accleration. I think 3.73 were a good choice. I don't want my car to rev anymore than it does now on the highway. On the stock tach its around 3000 rpm at 80 give or take some.
 
for the most part the car is stock (just now doing exhaust), and it will see some freeway action so I dont want to go to high on the gearing. Can you get on the freeway with 410's? Well without your car revving real high and your only going 55? I am buying the gears, was just curious if it wasnt worth my time putting them in before I do anyother mods.....thanks guys.
 
webshot said:
for the most part the car is stock (just now doing exhaust), and it will see some freeway action so I dont want to go to high on the gearing. Can you get on the freeway with 410's? Well without your car revving real high and your only going 55? I am buying the gears, was just curious if it wasnt worth my time putting them in before I do anyother mods.....thanks guys.

Do not get 4.10's. Yes you can get on the freeway, but you'll be watching the gas gauge drop quicker with those gears.
A daily driver with a stock engine (- exhaust) is not all about going from 0-60 all day long.

I have 3.73's in my AOD notch and they are just about right. At 65 it runs about 2300 rpms. If I was the one to put gears in it, I would have gone with 3.55's myself.

Yes 4.10 will give you better performance, but at the cost of cruising .... now wait for all the 4.10 guys to chime in and say 4.10's are the best choice
 
4.10's would be a better choice but if you can get brand new/unused 3.73's at a good price, go for it.

Laranduece, sounds like you didn't get a new speedo gear to 'calibrate' your speedo with the steeper gear. No way your smaller 3.73's rev higher than my friends 4.10's in his aod or the 3.73's in my 5spd car. I'm looking to go 4.30 in my street car :eek:
 
I say go for it, I have 4.10s in my Aod and im very happy with them, i dont have a problem with high rpms on the highway it doesnt bother me. Aod's are better fitted with 4.10s, but by no means would 3.73s be a waste. Its gonna be a world of difference after the gear swap. Lot better acceleration!!
 
Grn92LX said:
4.10's would be a better choice but if you can get brand new/unused 3.73's at a good price, go for it.

Larrendeuce, sounds like you didn't get a new speedo gear to 'calibrate' your speedo with the steeper gear. No way your smaller 3.73's rev higher than my friends 4.10's in his aod or the 3.73's in my 5spd car. I'm looking to go 4.30 in my street car :eek:

I haven't driven it in awhile but I remember I was well above the 2000rpm drone point. The speedo is 5mph off, when it reads 75 actual speed is 70. I think going past 2000rpm at that speed is a bit much anyhow.

EDIT: I just checked the math, 2687.03232 is the rpm at 80. I knew I wasn't off much.

rpm=(mph x transmission ratio x rear axle ratio x 336) / tire diameter
 
I have 3.73's in my modded 5.0, and compared to the stock gears, wow! Gears are the single biggest difference for 200 or whatever bucks that you can get. The ups to 3.73s are that you save gas compared to the 4.10s and but you get less acceleration compared to the 4.10s. Its a preference. I would not get a used ring and pinion unless you know who it came from because there are many horror stories that i could tell you. Since you can get the 3.73s cheap i would go for them.

Both sets of gears are good choices, and answering the chevy question: no, 4.10s are not just for chevy's. You may have to get a ring and pinion for a chevy or a ford for that matter, but by no means are 4.10s exclusively made for chevys. I hope this clears everything up. :shrug:
 
webshot said:
ohh....One more question, will I have traction problems in the winter? Sounds like my wheels will be more prone to slip. Any good prevention measures, besides dont smash on the gas?

I wouldnt call them traction problems, but yes you will be more prone to slip. I don't drive my car during the winter for this reason. You could buy some winter tires, but basically the only real cure is to, like you said dont mash the gas.
 
the 3.73's are fine. your getting a good deal on them so go for it. i have 3.73's in my aod. as far as traction goes, i have 403hp at the wheels and i dont have any problems driving in the rain. i just keep the rpms below 2500 and my suspension is almost all aftermarket
 
webshot said:
One last real important question. The guys I am buying them from said they are brand new in the box. But in the event they are not still sealed. How can I identify them as really 373's?? Like can I count the teeth on em. Or are there markings? I am assuming it will be this set http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...goryId=17965&parentCategoryId=11219&langId=-1

I don't know what your paying for the gears but www.50resto.com has 3.73 Ford Racing gears for $149.99. Came out to $157 with shipping for me.