3.55 gear install
08-03-2004, 11:46 PM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 62
3.55 gear install
I bought a whole rear end with 3.55 gears in it already and this weekend im going to be putting it in my 88gt. I was wondering if someone could tell me what speedo gear im going to need. The car is an 88(5speed) but i upgraded to a 140mph speedo. Thanks for the help guys.... and also any tips with putting in the new rear would be tons of help
08-04-2004, 05:00 PM
#3
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location:
Posts: 180
RE: 3.55 gear install
I just installed 3.55 gears in my 85 GT W/5-speed, 225/60R/15 tires. My stock speedo gear was off 20 to 25 MPH. I installed a 20 tooth speedometer gear and I still think I'm 5 MPH off. I ordered a 21 tooth and should have it in by the weekend. Also, my Ford dealer could only order the speedometer gears in pairs, so I will have 2 gears. If my speedometer is right on I'll let you know and if you'd like I'll sell you my extra. The rear end was no problem. Just make sure you have a hydrolic jack and jack stands. Pull your drums, tie off your brakes, unbolt everything and ease it down with the jack.
08-04-2004, 08:22 PM
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2003
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Posts: 11,394
08-04-2004, 08:27 PM
#6
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 4,813
RE: 3.55 gear install
removing the rear ain't quite as easy as fishhawk makes it sound. as far as the brakes are concerned, disconnect the main line in the center of the body where the hose connects to the hard line coming from the master cylinder and tie a rag around the hard line to catch the brake fluid that will drip out. you also need to remove the parking brake cable from both sides on the brake backing plates and this ain't as easy as it looks. you have to remove the brake shoes to access the parking brake lever and disconnect the brake cable, then you have to squeeze the pins in on the bushing where the cable passes through the backing plate to get the cables out of the rear. When you unbolt the rear U-joint, have a piece of duct tape handy to tape the cups into the joint so they don't fall apart and make a big mess. Tie the driveshaft up if you can so you don't have to remove it from the back of the tranny or be ready to stuff a rag in the tranny to keep it from leaking also. with the jack under one side of the axle housing, remove the bottom bolt holding the shock absorber on and carefully remove the shock. then slowly let the jack down to release the spring but be careful that you don't let the spring come flying out and hurt you. repeat this process on the other side. then, put the jack under the center of the rear and remove the front bolts from both the lower and upper control arms. you can then let the axle assembly down and roll the jack out with the axle on it. once you out from under the car, it will be easier to remove the other bolts on the control arms if you plan on reusing them. reverse this process to install the new rear end and remember to bleed the brakes after you have everything else installed.
hope this helps you a little bit.
hope this helps you a little bit.