ssemich

what part of the differential do you recommend? Brand?
What will replacing this part do?

Thanks,

Steve

wmtheflash

The general recommendation is 3.73 automatic and 4.10 with a manual. Remember that Ford originally put a 3.55:1 ratio in the manuals and a 3.31:1 in the automatics. I persume they went to 3.31:1 in the manuals with an opitonal 3.55:1 to improve fuel mileage.

If you're going from a 3.31 to a 3.73, then you should certain feel it. Still, I'd consider 4.10:1 if I were you.

Almost everyone recommends gears made by Ford Racing Performance Parts. You can find lots of threads on the subject with the search button.

Thief_of_Hearts

I volunteer to do it.

Simon1

The OEM diff (Trak Lok)will handle plenty of power and most of us here including me have our stock differential. The problem with the stock differential is it will wear out faster than an aftermarket due to the type of clutch pack is has within the unit. Aftermarket diffs use stronger more efficient ways to transfer power. It works okay but eventually fails if you race alot or have alot of power. For regular driving you will probably never notice the diff going out or not working at 100%. You may notice one wheel spinning during a burnout. A locker from Detroit or Auburn with a different system for transfering power to the ground will last longer and be more efficent. They also make a limited slip diff which is what most of us need and replace our OEM with. Limited slip diffs are best on the street, but a locker generallyis the best on the track, short of a "spool".

Only reason I suggested it to you is to think of the future. If you plan on adding a supercharger or turbo in the future, it may be more cost effective to upgrade the differential while you are doing the gears. I should have done this when my gears were done the first time. Ford put 4.10's in for free, under warrunty, and did a crappy job. So I'm not out any cash.

Surf around and read about differentials. Go to Detroits website, Auburns website and gather some info. Take your time and do it right the first time.

If some of this doesn't make sense it's because I've been up for 36 hours or so.

Going to bed now.

ssemich

Cool...I will do some looking around for the differential.

Steve

Bluestar

I don't think he meant this......

ssemich

Funny....Not what I meant...But funny...

Steve

SD05GT

Get the 373's!

I would say if you do more highway 373's are the best route. I do mostly city; and i'll be going with 410's very soon. Your car will be quicker with a 373 gear change. You will get from 0-130 a lot quicker than with your stock gears. Some people claim that the stock gear 145 mph mark is still reachable with 373's or even 410s to due our cars being drag limited. The only difference is you will get there a lot faster.