Gear Swap/Kits

[281Ponies]

I know this has been asked a thousand times but would like some insight from those of you who have done a gear swap with 30k+ on the clock. How many of you went with just the installation kit and how many went with the bearing kit? What is the rule of thumb in your opinion when bearings are needed 10k - 30k - 50k miles.

I did a gear swap on my 02GT with about the same miles 30k and went with just the installation kit and everything was fine beyond 60k when I got rid of it. I am not sure if there is anything different in the rears on the S197... and I know this is an area of the car where skimping on $$ is not recommended but Tis the Season and I want to pull the trigger on this today or this week sometime.

Also, is $240 about the best price I will find for FRPP gears?

 

[xtweakerx]

yeah going rate for 410's=$239.. 373's,430's = $160

 

[bigcat]

where are FRPP 4.30s going for $160? probably have to add in a huge shipping and handling fee when something is advertised that cheap.

 

[xtweakerx]

u can get 4:30's for 160 @ steeda.

http://www.steeda.com/products/ring_pinion_sets.php


I could pick them up if i wanted to and avoid shipping since im close to them.

However, I think 4:30's may be a BIT too much gear for me since its a Street/Strip daily driver car.

Hell I hear people trying to talk me about of getting 4:10's but I will most likley get them soon.

 

[bigcat]

woot!

Total $179.16 (4.30s)

thats a good price with shipping. thanks for the link.

4.10s are not too much for a DD. ask most anyone here that has them-they are very streetable.

 

[kooldawg6]

281Ponies
I know this has been asked a thousand times but would like some insight from those of you who have done a gear swap with 30k+ on the clock. How many of you went with just the installation kit and how many went with the bearing kit? What is the rule of thumb in your opinion when bearings are needed 10k - 30k - 50k miles.

I did a gear swap on my 02GT with about the same miles 30k and went with just the installation kit and everything was fine beyond 60k when I got rid of it. I am not sure if there is anything different in the rears on the S197... and I know this is an area of the car where skimping on $$ is not recommended.

I don't know the answer to that, but I'd say find a reputable shop who has done S197s with that kind of mileage and what they do/recommend. You are right about not skimping money on the rear end. Parts and labor on mine was $520 and I couldn't be happier with the results as I have over 20K miles and not noise/problem 1

However, I think 4:30's may be a BIT too much gear for me since its a Street/Strip daily driver car.

Hell I hear people trying to talk me about of getting 4:10's but I will most likley get them soon.

It all depends on what size rear tire you run for the street and strip. I have the 4.10s. I went from the OEM tire height of 27.2" up to 28.3" and it dropped my revs by 300-400 RPM. I can comfortabley cruise 85 MPH@3000 RPM in OD If you run a shorter than stock tire you will increase your revs, but maybe not enough to make it undriveable. I know ultimitely at the strip, you want your car near or at redline as you cross the stripe. In that sense 4.30s will put you closer, but still could be shy. My 4.10s with the 27.2" tire was taching around 5000 RPM(4th gear)at the stripe to give you some idea. Hell, in a few years, I may step up to the 4.30s as long as I keep the taller tire on the rear for street driving

 

[281Ponies]

Okay, I'll assume most who have had a gear swap have gone with the bearing kit as well... so is there no difference in the Motive kit compared to the Ford kits... shims are the same size...?

 

[xtweakerx]

stick w/ ford gears.


I use my stock tire for daily driving and my M&H radial for the strip which is slightly taller than stock, i believe its 27.85 and stock is 27.2?

275/50/R17 drag radial.

I'm most likely leaning towards 4.10, w/ the 27.8 tire it prob drop the gear down to 4.00 but then when i put my street tire on back to 4.10.

 

[Five Oh Brian]

I had 4.10's installed when my 07 GT had just a couple hundred miles on the odometer (car was 2 weeks old), so no bearings - just the basic install kit. However, on higher miles cars that I've done gear swaps in, I always spend the extra money for the complete install/overhaul kit. It's extra insurance that I feel better doing.

 

[281Ponies]

I have decided to go ahead and get the complete install kit.

Looking around on some of the vendor sites I notice FRPP gears but only the Motive install kits are available... unless I didn't look close enough and with some people having whine issues after Motive gears are installed couldn’t help but wonder if it might have something to do with the kits as well as the gear set.

I’ll get Ford gears but wondering if I should find some place to get all Ford parts including the kit or if Motive kits are fine to use with Ford ring and pinion?

 

[kooldawg6]

I have decided to go ahead and get the complete install kit.
I’ll get Ford gears but wondering if I should find some place to get all Ford parts including the kit or if Motive kits are fine to use with Ford ring and pinion?

http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/iwwida.pvx?;item?item_no=LRS-4209FRC-K 1&comp=LRS

 

[281Ponies]

Thanks Kool I was looking at late model and will more than likely order from them... my main reason for asking about the Motive installation kits... is I can get one separate at a nice price from someone I know.

 

[kooldawg6]

With the Motive kit, just make sure they use the Ford friction modifier. The shop that did mine uses it