3.31 Gears vs 3.55 and 3.73 What is the pros and cons

[laterider]

Originally Posted by jimkaray hmmm, your sig makes me think you tend to throw caution to the wind so why the sudden conservative bent? You won't be over stressing the motor at all. It will you cause just a little more wear and tear sure but it isn't anything you need to worry about or can realistically measure. If you aren't already doing it I would recommend running synthetic oil in the engine, trans & rear for the best protection against wear and temp extremes. Also, if you have an auto trans a trans cooler will be a help on those hot Florida days. Haha - good observation Jim!!! I've had a lot of rides that just weren't something I wanted to actually stay with - I like this ride, and I plan on keeping it for some time. I got pricing from the shop in an email and it looks good against other pricing I've seen here - I plan on also grabbing a tuner too, but thats not listed here: Gears: $180 T-lock: $220 Install: $350 Fluids: $70 Total with tax $877 Its in the below $900 range I've read about here on threads, so as long as the shop looks good after a visit I'm in.

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[rls82959]

Just a suggestion. Tell the shop what gears you are buying and ask them if they will guarantee a whine free rear end with those gears.

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by laterider

But I should have been more specific on my question as really the second issue is more important to me. Will I be over stressing the motor running it at 2800RPM when at 80 on long highway drives? This is something I rarely do, but as soon as I change - it will come - road trip!!!

That's only about half of redline, and under constant speed cruise conditions you are not asking the engine to work all that hard. With the 3.73 being a little more gear compared to the 3.31's, you're actually asking the engine to work a little easier, but at a slightly higher rpm. Not quite a wash, but close.

Exhaust sound (both how loud and its subjective "tone") will be tied to your axle gear ratio, and it could be enough of a difference to make you re-think any exhaust mod plans (or change what you may already have installed). I won't even try to advise you on this item, other than to say it's another part of not being able to get something for nothing.


Norm

[ABQstang89]

Originally Posted by laterider

Haha - good observation Jim!!! I've had a lot of rides that just weren't something I wanted to actually stay with - I like this ride, and I plan on keeping it for some time. I got pricing from the shop in an email and it looks good against other pricing I've seen here - I plan on also grabbing a tuner too, but thats not listed here:

Gears: $180
T-lock: $220
Install: $350
Fluids: $70
Total with tax $877

Its in the below $900 range I've read about here on threads, so as long as the shop looks good after a visit I'm in.

Are set against getting an 8.8?
http://www.v6mustangstuff.com/TakeOffParts.htm
Very close to the same price.

[pat6674u]

My engine and exhaust were loud before the gears. If you have an auto changing to 3.73 probably won't be terribly noticeable. If you have a stick you will notice shorter gears while shifting. On the freeway the rpms at high speed are increased but not to the point that the engine is in danger. This is the same engine the Explorer and Ranger use and those run 3.73 gears stock. 3.55 gears are what is stock on a GT so it will be a slight difference from the 3:31 stock set-up for the sixer. You'll lose 1-3 mpg depending on your car and driving habits but seriously if you're worried about gas mileage don't change yoour gears or do any other mods because they all effect it in some way.