What else should I get for a gear install?

[90_Red_LX]

Probably going to get some 3.73s in the car after I get a new cd player for the car. Considering my car has a nearly 100k on the clock, I figure it would be best to get new bearings and stuff like that installed. I've heard of factory rear ends breaking though, and I question the axles. Would it be worth the extra cash to step up to some 31 spline axles and differential? Or will the factory ones do alright with bolt ones and a h/c/i and either some spray or a blower down the road? I'm not sure what my future plans are, deep 12's are my goal. Just curious so I can figure up what I need to save up. Thanks!

 

[srothfuss]

Hard 5,000RPM launches at the track (on Stickey tires) will PROBABLY kill the splines on the stock axles. It's a safe bet to upgrade while you are doing the work now.

However, you can use the stock stuff and survive depending on how you drive.

 

[90_Red_LX]

The car is my daily driver so it won't see any really hard launches. Most I will do is some launches on some drag radials. Probably around 3k would be the most I would launch it.

 

[90_Red_LX]

Forgot to add that while I won't be driving it like grandma when racing my powershifting will end to help preserve the tranny since I don't want to buy a new one.

 

[srothfuss]

You will more than likely be fine with the stock axles. I don't want to sound like hard 1/4 mile racing has never been done with them - I am sure it has. But it is a failure that can happen if they are the weakest link in your setup.

Another possibility is buying some aftermarket 28T axles that are roll formed. The stock axle splines were cut. That process makes the splines stronger than the factory units. The aftermarket pieces are also made out of stronger metals... But then again, as long as you don't shift like you're trying to rip the car in two, the stockers will last.

 

[90mustangGT]

I agree, you kill the tranny first, and no way are you going to break the axels on drag radials. I know what your thinking, the "while your at it" syndrome which is good to a point but you don't need axels and such right now. The 28T axels mentioned by srothfuss might be a happy medium. If you go further you can either you can get a F150/Explorer traction-loc carrier which is 31 spline, or just do a aftermarket unit and go 33. If your going to do axels and a diff, might as well do C-clip eleminators. Why put in 4 lug axels, might as well do a 5-lug converson which of course means new wheels... This could really add up.

At your level I think to just do the rear end rebuild with new gears, and berrings, and I would also suggest a traction-loc rebuild too ($50) and synthetic fluids and be done with it and concentrate on other parts of the car and then when your in deep 12's launching a lot harder you can worry about it then.