[Jack21]

For a 302, I would tend to lean toward the 3.73's for torque on demand.

That being said, go back to your trans rebuilder an ask him to install the T5Z, close ratio (2.95 first) gearset along with the other Z options such as steel throughout bearing retainer. Retain, however, the .62 (or .68) fifth gear. This will give you good cruising with the 3.73's in back.

Stock T5 gearing is based on the stock gears in a stock Mustang, 2.74.

If you decide to go with 3.55's in back, use tha smaller OD fifth in the trans (.80) or your RPM's will drop too much when cruising.

For comparison, I'm running a 351W so the engine has more torque. Rear gears are 3.55. Trans is T5Z with .80 fifth. My highway RPM is 2300 - 2500. Even with the close ratio 2.95 first, I tend to short shift it to second for normal driving.