Hello everyone. Here is my dilema:

My 86 Stang has a 8.8" rearend, that the guy before me decided to put a "Lincoln" locker in. With my new rims and tires, I get a really anoying wheel hop on corners. I believe that it has 2.73 gears, but I dont know. More than likely, yes, because I run about 1400 rpms at 55 in 5th gear, and 1800 rpms at 70 in 5th. I want to switch the gearing for a little better bottom end. I was thinking of running 3.73's. Any suggestions on that choice, or other ratios?

Also, I would need to buy a ring and pinion set, of whatever ratio, and also a Detroit Locker, or another form of locker. I want to go with a locker, by the way. If I go through all this money to swap out gears, would it just be better to swap in a 9" rearend with 3.73's and a locker? I can pick up a 9" for less than $50. The old guy has a bunch sitting around his yard, and I think I might find one with 3.73's. If I can find one, how much of a pain is it going to be to get it to fit? I can get the axles resplined, and chop the tubes, but is there one already narrow enough? Also, how much work is it to swap out brackets and figure out a configuration for the yoke?

Thanks for any/ all your help!

 

make it easy on yourself dude, just keep the 8.8 and install a locker with a set of 3.73 gears and you will come out way ahead time and money wise insteading of trying to retrofit a 9" under there that won't made to fit it.