After a lot of searching for an 8" center section with a decent set of gears to swap out my 2.80s, my buddy introduced me to a friend of his yesterday who has a treasure trove of old Ford parts... He had several 9"s (none that would have fit y car, I asked) and a few 8"s. He pulled the center section out of one of his projects (a '31 Ford with a Desoto Hemi- yes he even has some Mopar). After asking him how much, he simply asked that I return my current pumpkin to him after I swap this one into my housing! What a nice guy!
Now, he originally thought the gears were 3.40 or 3.50s, but after the "spin test" we came to the conclusion that they were only 3.00s. Oh well, still a little better than my 2.80s. And get this.... The spider gears are welded! LOL Lincoln Locker. I figure I'll drop it in and see how the 3.00s perform until I snap an axle. Then I'll break down and add a traction lock and maybe different gears.
Also, this new center section is the heavier duty one with extra webbing! I think I made out quite well.

 

Be very, very careful in the wet.


Norm

 

Not sure how you were able to tolerate 2:80s for so long...The difference will be barely to hardly noticeable at best..although that's subjective...it is how I would describe it.

300 to 380 is pretty darn noticeable..but not night and day. I run 3:80s now and I have the .63 od. I find them to be about prefect. If you find the 3:00 to be almost what you were looking for then maybe you should consider the 3:50.

-Gun

P.S i suspect you'll find the welded spider gears "suck"...a Detroit tru track is a great LSD option.

 

It's a PITA to change a third member on your own on jack stands, so plan accordingly. Don't think you'll notice enough difference to make me battle with it. Up to you, but I would spin it again and recount. Maybe you missed a turn. I would cross my fingers that I did.
I changed out a 3.0 to 4.11's and that was a huge difference.

 

I'm with everyone else. I wouldn't even go through the trouble just to go from 2.80 to 3.00, not to mention it has a welded open diff. i would just sell it or something to try and get a good set. you'll end up a lot happier.

 

I have access to a shop w/ a lift, so the swap is a pretty easy affair for me. Less than an hour. Also, the car NEVER gets driven in the rain or wet roads, so the Lincoln Locker won't be a problem there. I am just going to swap it in and see how it does, or until I snap an axle. Then I'll decide if I want to keep the 3.00s or swap in new gears (3.55 is my original goal) w/ trac loc or locker.

 

If you wait till you snap an axle then you're just making it even harder on yourself.

 

if you think its an easy swap (which it actually is) go for it...you'll probably realize you want 3.80s anyhow after you feel how much difference they didnt make. It will show up on the tach and the speedo will be off i suspect that's about all it will accomplish...but i agree try to avoid breaking that axle. :P

-Gun

 

I think 3.80s would be too low for my T-5... 1st and 2nd would be too close. I really think 3.55 is optimal. Also, I prefer odd numbered gears for longevity and quite operation. Gonna do the swap this weekend I think, unless I can get to it tomorrow evening.

 

i run 3.5:1 with a T5 and 25.6" tall tires in back (225/60R15). couldn't be happier. perfect choice