what's needed w/gears

[97gtconv.]

I have a 97 mustang convertible automatic. i have long-tube headers, off-road h-pipe, flowmaster 40 series, steeda underdrive pulleys, bbk cold-air intake and eibach sports springs 1 1/2" drop. The rearend of the car is still the factory 7.5" with i think 2:73 gears.

My question is that I want to get 3:73 or 4:10. i really want 4:10's but i need to know what else i need besides the ring and pinion. do need oil? something to adjust the speedometer. i need some help cause i don't want to screw this up. any bodies help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[TweekedGT]

If you purchase the kit from Ford it will come with a crush collar and some shims, a ring and a pinion. I bought FRPP 3.73's and they work awesome. Over and above what comes in the kit you will need two bearings and two races, some grease for the bearings, 2 litres of 80/90 gear oil for your differential once you are completed the install. I just switched my gear oil out and am using Amsoil synthetic gear oil now, i believe it is 75/140, can't remember. You will also need some silicone as gasket maker for your dif housing or an actual dif cover gasket, your choice. If you are planning on doing this yourself you will also need a dial gauge to measure the backlash of your gears to make sure there is not to little or too much resistance. I hope i didn't forget anything. Have fun, you will love the gears!

 

[GTMomma02]

My question is that I want to get 3:73 or 4:10. i really want 4:10's but i need to know what else i need besides the ring and pinion. do need oil? something to adjust the speedometer. i need some help cause i don't want to screw this up. any bodies help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

I think it depends on where your gears are installed. The shop that did mine told me to just bring the gears and they had everything else. I don't think you can use a speedcal on an automatic so you need to have your computer reflashed or buy a chip. I decided to have my computer flash-tuned because it was almost the same price, and they adjusted a/f ratio, shift points and bumped the timing. Good luck!

 

[TweekedGT]

Oh ya! You will need a new speedo gear to adjust the speedometer. I know the 99+ GT's can get there's calibrated through the computer but I don't think we can. I had to by a new speedo gear. It goes right by the drive shaft u-joint right in the tranny. You have to unbolt the cable, pull the old gear out, and put the new one on and bolt it up again. Once you find where the speedo cable is it is a 2 minute job.

 

[GTMomma02]

Oh ya! You will need a new speedo gear to adjust the speedometer. I know the 99+ GT's can get there's calibrated through the computer but I don't think we can.

Whoops! Sorry, I'm not up on 96-98 GTs.

 

[97gtconv.]

I just want to clarify that my car 1997 Mustang Gt conv. comes with the 7.5" rearend w/ 10 bolt differential cover. is that what i have?

 

[madmatt]

Should be an 8.8 I believe. The 7.5 is in the V6 only I think. Not 100% sure though.