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  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
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Change rear gear ratio when converting to AOD

  • Thread starter Thread starter mhjo
  • Start date Start date May 3, 2010

mhjo

Founding Member
Nov 9, 2000
490
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17
Oslo, Norway
May 3, 2010
#1
  • May 3, 2010
  • #1
I have ordered a AOD that will replace my C4. I do this because I felt that rpm was too high at 6-70 mph. (I have 3.00 ratio at rear)

Wich rear ratio should I install in connection with the AOD ?

I need balance between good acceleration and relaxing highway driving.

Recommandation?
 

tx65coupe

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
1,551
1
37
May 3, 2010
#2
  • May 3, 2010
  • #2
I would say 3.50 gears would be a great setup.
 

woodsnake

15 Year Member
Jan 16, 2007
1,352
15
69
Hicksville, NY
May 3, 2010
#3
  • May 3, 2010
  • #3
On a stock motor, a 3.25 or 3.50 are a good choice. I have 3.50's in my 68, but I think I need more rear gear because of my cam's power band.
 

calpolymustang

Member
Feb 1, 2004
217
0
16
Santa Rosa, CA
May 3, 2010
#4
  • May 3, 2010
  • #4
i had a 3.4 with the AOD, and didnt like it. Didnt have as much pep as it i wanted. Since then i've install 4.11s. I like the low gears, but they do make slightly more noise.

By the way, I run at 2350 on the freeway at 70mph, and got 20mpg with an edelbrock 600. Havent rejetted since installing the holley 650
 
6

66forfun

Member
Feb 25, 2006
260
0
16
Pittsburgh
May 3, 2010
#5
  • May 3, 2010
  • #5
I went 380's and like them very much.

This conversion wasn't cheap and I wanted a good snap for the bucks spent.

Most of the 5.0 foxes were going with 373's for the 5 spds and 411's in the autos.

The highway cruize speeds are ~70mph even if 55 is posted round here and im still under 3200rpm when leading the line of traffic.
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
6,698
550
204
tucson,az
May 3, 2010
#6
  • May 3, 2010
  • #6
with the AOD i suggest using a 3.70 or so rear gear. good off the line dig, and still having a decent highway cruise rpm.
 

jlangholzj

Mustang Master
Oct 23, 2006
248
31
93
MI
May 3, 2010
#7
  • May 3, 2010
  • #7
rbohm said:
with the AOD i suggest using a 3.70 or so rear gear. good off the line dig, and still having a decent highway cruise rpm.
Click to expand...

doin the 8.8 sawp for that reason I'm puttin 3.73's in mine. should run around 1850 at 65-70 . kinda pumped
 

JonK

Member
Jun 6, 2007
276
0
16
Nashville (Smyrna), TN
May 3, 2010
#8
  • May 3, 2010
  • #8
My guess would be 3.50/3.55:1 or 3.73:1 depending on what's avail. for your diff., you didn't mention if it's an 8" or 9". Your tire height will be a key in this equation. Here's a handy calculator to get an idea of your RPM's at any speed. I made a spread sheet with my tire ht., AOD overdrive ratio (0.67) and speed to see what my RPM's would change to mainly at 70-80mph and ended up going with 3.50:1 for fun and hwy. Use the calc. to figure out your tire ht. first then plug in the numbers, kinda fun to play with, I checked to see what I'd be turning in 3rd at the drags at 100mph, 110mph, etc. out of curiosity.
Don't forget the taller you go (4.11:1) the shorter your 1st gear on up gets also so it'll shift out of 1st sooner during normal driving with too tall gears.

Randy's Ring & Pinion. RPM Calculator.

Jon
 

ARPM

Member
Jul 8, 2004
116
0
16
PUERTO RICO
May 3, 2010
#9
  • May 3, 2010
  • #9
mhjo said:
I have ordered a AOD that will replace my C4. I do this because I felt that rpm was too high at 6-70 mph. (I have 3.00 ratio at rear)

Wich rear ratio should I install in connection with the AOD ?

I need balance between good acceleration and relaxing highway driving.

Recommandation?
Click to expand...

I had my C4 with 3.55 equalock and 225-45-17" @ rear and was cruising @65mph doing 3,000. The AOD swap lowered to 2,600 and still have an exellent pull in 1/4 mile and a quiet ride.
 
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