Gears

I think i paid about 400 in labor. Be sure the shop knows about setting up axles. You can't just slap gears in and be cool. There's exacting measurements to be made or the whole thing will blow apart.

Be careful. I've come across many shops that won't do rear axles because of the time and precision involved. Ask around for the shop that has a good reputation for this type of work. A good regular mechanic shop might not be good at setting up rear ends.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Noobz347
I want to replace my stock gears with 3.73. I was told this was too technical for the average person. I have been getting quotes of around $1200. Does this sound right.
I would think a bone-yard find might get an entire rear axle for quite a bit less than $1200, but I could be wrong. Long time since I did such stuff. If you choose to look around, be certain you are getting what you're after.
1) Don't trust them on the ratio, check it.
2) Don't consider buying one they will cut out of the vehicle for you (though, you could check ID for ratio, on the door jamb, not on the pumpkin), unless they'll do it for no money up front.
3) Put it up on two concrete blocks, turn the pinion yoke by hand. It should turn smoothly in both directions, no "raspy" or grumbling sound, otherwise, reject it.
4) Check if out of car, that overall width is correct, and mountings in right places. imp
 
I want to replace my stock gears with 3.73. I was told this was too technical for the average person. I have been getting quotes of around $1200. Does this sound right.

I would think a bone-yard find might get an entire rear axle for quite a bit less than $1200, but I could be wrong. Long time since I did such stuff. If you choose to look around, be certain you are getting what you're after.
1) Don't trust them on the ratio, check it.
2) Don't consider buying one they will cut out of the vehicle for you (though, you could check ID for ratio, on the door jamb, not on the pumpkin), unless they'll do it for no money up front.
3) Put it up on two concrete blocks, turn the pinion yoke by hand. It should turn smoothly in both directions, no "raspy" or grumbling sound, otherwise, reject it.
4) Check if out of car, that overall width is correct, and mountings in right places. imp


Um... No. lol


@Ts1lightning63
There are SEVERAL videos out on youtube for Mustang gear swap. Look at these videos and determine for yourself if this is a job you can tackle. Holler if you need help finding one. Note that it does require a few specialized tools.

I think i paid about 400 in labor. Be sure the shop knows about setting up axles. You can't just slap gears in and be cool. There's exacting measurements to be made or the whole thing will blow apart.

Be careful. I've come across many shops that won't do rear axles because of the time and precision involved. Ask around for the shop that has a good reputation for this type of work. A good regular mechanic shop might not be good at setting up rear ends.

If you find a deal like this, jump on it. Lemme tell ya, sometimes there's nothing better to have than someone to take it back to if it's not right.
 
  • Like
Reactions: General karthief
To answer your original question, I had a shop where I personally know the owner swap my 3.27 with a FRPP 3.73 for a little over $800. That included the fluids & gaskets - all I gave 'em was the new gears.

I've paid for gear swaps three times on three different cars in the past eight years or so & never paid over $1,000 (for the gear swap itself), so $1,200 does sound a tad high to me.
 
Good grief.... $200-$300 max around here for a gear swap.

I personally just do them myself and do the measurements. Key is setting the pinion depth correct then the rest is just adjusting shims to get the correct backlash and wear pattern.
 
Now that i think of it, 400 got the upgraded clutch packs swapped in the diff, fluid, and diff girdle installed. Of course the gears, diff cover and clutch packs were not included in that price. Now that's probably 1200 all together with parts and other installs included.
 
I agree with what Noobz said; sometimes having someone to take it back to if things aren't right is well worth it. I've never done this myself. I had the gears swapped out in my '98 Cobra for 4.10's. I paid about $850 for FRPP gears and a complete re-build of the rear differential, not including the clutch packs.