I am considering a moderate upgrade to my 3.08 7.5” Traction-Lok rear end. My initial thought was to “simply” swap out the gear set (to 3.55 or 3.73) but there are other considerations:
- This rear end is original and has around 230k miles on it. I’d bet that there are other items which should be serviced such as the Traction-Lok clutches and bearings and/or bearing seals. Currently, this rear end seems to be working fine and doesn't leak but I have put more HP to the rear end with some engine performance upgrades.
- Experience level required. I have the 1983 Ford shop manual set which has detailed instructions but have limited experience doing something like this. There are a number of specialty tools (dial indicator, pinion depth gauge, shims, gauge blocks and depth tools) and calibrations (bearing preload, ring gear backlash, ring gear runout) required. I was hoping to get a high-level recommendation of the job and then assess whether or not I should tackle it myself.
- Can this be done without removing the rear end? It looks like the gear set swap out could be done without removing the housing assembly from the car. I’d be doing this using jacks and jack stands while laying on my back.
- Availability of 7.5” rebuild parts and/or kits (carrier, bearings, seals, etc.).