low mile,all original 7up, should I upgrade it or not?

[photomatt]

I have a 1990 7up mustang, 20,500 original miles, almost perfect shape, never even seen rain let alone snow. I'd like to change the rear gears to make it more fun to drive (it is an automatic) but am afraid of ruining any value it has. Thoughts?

 

[Rdub6]

Let’s see some pics! That sounds nice!

 

[photomatt]

This was from last spring... I have it in storage as of now until, oh I don't know, maybe July!! It just won't stop smowing! ha ha ha I'm dreaming about nicer days, trust me.

 

[photomatt]

This is when I took my Father in Law for a ride... he is suffering from Alzheimers... It has been a struggle...

 

[photomatt]

Last one I promise! Sure can't wait until summer!

 

[BlakeusMaximus]

I don’t think upgrading the rear gears will hurt its value. Everyone says 3.73’s work with autos well. Just keep your stock gears just in case you need or want to swap them back in. I say swap em to something a little more fun.

 

[General karthief]

I agree with the gear swap, verts are a little heavy and with the auto trans it will really wake it up!

 

[Dan02gt]

Swapping the gears will make a big difference and shouldn't hurt the value. As mentioned it's really easy to swap them back if you go to sell it.

 

[Wayne Waldrep]

Sorry to hear about your father in law's struggles. You have a beautiful car, sir. I agree with everyone's thoughts on the gears.

 

[Rdub6]

That’s a beautiful car! We all love pics, so keep em coming.
I lost my dad,and father in law within 18 months of each other. Had a great relationship with both, and that post hit me hard! Enjoy your time, and I wish you the best!

 

[BlakeusMaximus]

I love the BFG’s with the turbines.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Rear gears can always be swapped back. Just keep them and if you sell the car put them in the trunk.

AODs really need the shorter gearing, so it shouldn't hurt value regardless.

 

[billison]

Nice car. Upgrade away. If you are driving it, the value don’t matter

 

[photomatt]

Thank you all for the reply's and wonderful thoughts about my Dad... I talked to a local "mustang guy" and asked about changing the gears. He said that if it was him, he would just replace the whole axle that has the gears I want. Then if I sell it, I can put the original back in. Is it that hard to replace the gears? I've been reading up on that and it seems like they are kind of fussy to do. I'm a pretty fair mechanic but really, only fair.

 

[billison]

Changing a whole rear can be done in a couple hours with minimal tools and skills..

The rears need special tools and skills ...

 

[Mustang5L5]

Axle swapping it pretty each with a jack or two and some jackstands. A good set of tools, and an impact preferably and you can swap it out in a couple hours. Just need some new crush washers for the center brake line.

Hardest part will be finding a nicely set up rear end with 3.73's and a freshly rebuilt limited diff.

Changing rear end gears requires some special tools and some more advanced skills.

 

[90sickfox]

Your body has a good idea. You could buy a stock rear used and have it cleaned up and painted...with new 373 gears and a purdy differential cover. Keep the original drum to drum and have fun. You'd save some money taking the whole rear to a shop for rebuild instead of taking the whole car

 

[Mustang5L5]

Of course, there's always the 5-lug swap with an SN95 rear.......

 

[Wayne Waldrep]

Of course, there's always the 5-lug swap with an SN95 rear.......

Now let's not start that ball rolling. Must keep stock wheels on this car.

 

[Rdub6]

Once the gears, or whole rear end is done, the mods have started! And we all know what that addiction is like....... so that will only be the beginning! Lol