Rear gear replacement

priobe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 06:23 AM

Hello,

I am looking to change out my rear gear in a 8.8 independent rear. I would like to put in 3.27 and take out the stock 3.73.

Can anyone help with what brand gear they recommend and is changing the gear on a independent different from a live axle.

Thanks

Tim Brewer · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 07:36 AM

There are lots of gear mfg's, it dosn't mater if you have a live or independent rear, it's the same job. Just currious, that gear you want is best suited for an automatic if that is what you have. My .02.
Tim

Ron61 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 09:10 AM

Tim,

Actually I am running the 3:27s and really lke them. They only hurt me in 5th and that is because I chose the wrong split. But in 1st through 4th, I like them over the 3:56s. In 5th I can't get through the wall of air this brick creates, with my Small Block, to get into the engines power band, so I am limited to about 115 MPH in 5th. But at 70 MPH I just tach 1900 RPM. First gear is worthless anyway as the rear ends are so light they won't hook up well, and since I am not a drag racer, I like the way I can get through the corners with this setup. I did upgrade the posi to an Eaton heavy duty built one and a 31 spline axel setup.

Ron

priobe · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 09:42 AM

Hey Tim,

I actually have a toploader 4 speed firgured from other people from this forum that that is the best way to go. Also the original Cobra if I am not mistaken had a 3.27 or 3.08.

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 12:45 PM

In the 60s the standard gear ratio from Ford for automatics was a 3:00. This even on the big heavy Galaxies. Some of the people around here with automatics in their Cobras are running gears in the 2:00 range as the cars are light enough.

Ron

Tim Brewer · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 02:40 PM

Probe,
I had a 3.50 originally and hated it. When I wanted to cruise through some of the parking lot get-togethers slowly in first, my car would want to lunge forward with every lope of the engine. It did not want to go slow at all. Also, with the lower gear , it is harder on the clutch as well.
Tim

priobe · #7 (**permalink**) 09-03-2004, 06:15 PM

Tim,
Would you say that it would be better to use the 3.27 gears or are you saying that the 3.73 gear would be better.
I think I would drive more high speed than through a parking lot.

Tim Brewer · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2004, 10:48 AM

I like the 3.73 MUCH better. I just think you will end up hating the 3.27 gear. I, and I think I speak for most people, drive mostly around town and not flying down hiways. A quick car is a more fun car to drive, I like to shift and have fun in my car. A 3.73 isn't really that big.
Tim