I've looked around but can't find anything as far as step by step instructions. I want to install a set of FRPP 3.73 gears, but I have never done this job before. Anyone know a thing or two?
The ring and pinion is not a DIY type thing. There is some special tools needed that costs as much as the price to pay someone to install the gears.
I am the worst to shell out money for someone to work on my stuff but this is a job that is difficult to do without the tools.
On the other hand I have heard that Ford gearing is so tightly toleranced
that most are drop out drop in.
I wanna say that on american muslce's website there is a how-to. Theres only a few things on a car that I mess with being transmissions and gears. I leave those up to people with the tools and experience.
Ratech makes a tool for setting the pinion depth which is a help, 28.95 from summit, next is setting the backlash which is the hard part, but can be done. Usually easier to take it to someone who is experienced in setting up a diff, if you have no experience or the tools
Gotta start somewhere man. I've done a hell of a lot of other stuff to this car. Even got a slide hammer and special Ford bearing removal tool so I can replace the axle bearings. Friend of mine has a press so I can pull the pinion bearing. Just need a little more info before I try and tackle this.
Setting up gears takes a few special tools that are not normally in the average tool box. Off the top of my head you will need a press(although I setup my first rear end by heating up the pinion bearing in the oven and dropping it on,) dial indicator, micrometer or calipers, inch pound torque wrench, foot pound torque wrench, setup bearings for the pinion(makes life easier), bearing separator, normal hand tools, plenty of extra shims, and most importantly PATIENCE. You really don't need a pinion depth tool but it would speed things up a little quicker. I usually measure the old pinion and the new pinion and add or subtract shims to get the same thickness. That will get you in the ballpark. Then assemble, mark the ring gear and check the wear pattern. Then add or subtract shims until the contact patch is in the center.
It is not rocket science but if you have never done it before I advise enlisting the help of someone who has. Like I said, patience is the most important part. The first set I did I counted 7 times that I installed and removed everything before I got my pinion depth where I wanted it. That is also where the setup bearing comes in handy. If I would not have spent the extra 10 minutes to clearance the old pinion bearing so it was slip fit I would have pulled my hair out separating and pressing the bearing on 7 times.
Here are some experiences of changing gear ratio on the web site FFCobra.com > ffr faq (scroll down) to Helpful improvements and mods; open Changing gear ratios
ffcobra is a discussion forum where a mustang is used a a donor to build an AC Cobra replica. A lot of good Ford Mustang Info.
press is the only thing you HAVE to have, other stuff is just nice to have. Ive installed 3.08, 3.55, 2 sets of 3.73 and 4.10s..... just in my car! haha. Done like 5 or 6 other peoples cars too.
Id recommend getting a good chilton manual (not the chity one you get at auto stores). First swap I did sucked ass, took forever to get it right, got easier each time after, now its not a big deal, can do it in a couple hours
I found a sight that has a step by step explanation. Go to PomoFoRacing.com look under tech articles and there is a pfd file for changing gears in a ford 8.8 rearend.
Thanks for all the replies. Was hoping to try and get this done on my own, but seeing the degree of difficuty ,I will probably tackle this with a friend of mine. Don't have any room for error. I want to make sure it's done right... But I just can't afford what a shop wil charge for the labor hours. Hopefully I can find time in the next week or 2.