Rear Gear Install????????????

[fourmustangs]

How difficult is it to install rear gears?
I have ford oem 3.55 to replace the 2.73
plus I want to rebuild the stock trac lok.
from 1-10 what is the difficulty level.
How long does it take?
Is there good videos to show the replacement.
what tools do I need? since its ford parts.
I am getting ford ring install kit and trac lok rebuild all ford.

If its too difficult how much does the install cost average?
If anyone is around Houston what are some people who are good?

 

[squeeeg]

http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5ohcpa/cpa5ohtech001.htm

This guy has all the info you are going to need. Read through it and decide if it is something that you can do. It is something that I would do but everybody has a seperate skill level.

 

[maverick0716]

You need some specific tools for that job....tools that their only use is for when installing rear gears. Personally I wouldn't try it unless you already have all the tools for some reason.

 

[slow88LX]

just jyi: here in tallahassee the cheapest guy in town charges $200

 

[Guyfoxbody]

I am pretty good with a wrench. But, there are a list of things that I won't even try. Gears are on the top of that list! Springs are a close second because of the danger aspect. Too old and have two young kids. Somethings are better left to the pro's!

 

[modded46]

Gear Install

From that web site, i'm happy I booked an appointment with a Mustang Shop to have my gears done, there is no way I would want to mess with that, looks like rocket science to me compared to the springs I just did.

 

[BaXTeR3221]

Ditto what the other guys said. I would leave the gears to a professional.

 

[modded46]

Supercharger install

Ditto what the other guys said. I would leave the gears to a professional.

Just a quick question, did you install your supercharger yourself?? I was just about to take a look at your gallery and wondered how that went for you?

 

[tomabram]

Bring it to a pro because you will not do it correctly if you havent done it before. Even some mechanics have trouble with replacing gears. You musta have the correct amount of shims on each side or the gears will whine like hell and the gears will wear out quickly.

 

[old_blue]

even the pros had to try it for the 1st time. I did mine and they are great. I bought most the special tools from harbor freight. A lot cheaper than where the pros get them. It is VERY TIME CONSUMING I will say. Took us atleast half a day. But it was our first time and a great experience. I give it a 71/2 - 8 in the difficulty level just because you need to know what is what.

 

[tomabram]

even the pros had to try it for the 1st time. I did mine and they are great. I bought most the special tools from harbor freight. A lot cheaper than where the pros get them. It is VERY TIME CONSUMING I will say. Took us atleast half a day. But it was our first time and a great experience. I give it a 71/2 - 8 in the difficulty level just because you need to know what is what.

Yes the pros do it fr their first time but they are also tought and helped by an experienced mechanic.

 

[pisgahhiker]

I did the 8.8 in my LX but it was a real pain.
I'm getting another built for another car and have desided to have it done at a local shop. Cost me 200.00 + parts.

They had the parts cheaper but I'm die hard ford racing parts so I desided to order my parts myself.

Downside is I have to remove and install the rear. No big deal just takes time.

 

[TrophyHead]

http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html

I used that link to do it. Next time I will take it to a shop. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[modded46]

Gears IN!

Well just go my 04 back from the shop with the new gears and I couldn't be happier! They did a great job and everything feels and sounds excellent. Price tag was 500CDN for all parts & labour which I really don't think is bad at all considering I have the piece of mind that it was done by professionals.

Next on tap are some exhaust upgrades which i'm sure i'll do myself, but when it comes to stuff like gears & major engine work I'd rather let someone else touch my baby.

 

[Aliate X]

just jyi: here in tallahassee the cheapest guy in town charges $200

Cheapest guy in south NY charges 750$

 

[crazypete]

Since FMS gears have the exact same pinion depth on all their gears....you can get away with a lot. I basically hammered my 3.73's into place reusing everything including (gasp!) the crush sleeve. Then I carefully tightened the pinion nut until it had some drag. Took it for a ride....a little noise. Tightened some more. Perfect. Silent. No wear when taken out 1.5 years later.

With FMS gears only, you just need to worry about the pinion nut adjustment.

Do it yourself and worst case, take it locally to have them adjust it. Cost you a lot less than a fresh install if you already did 1/2 the work...

 

[tunedin302]

Pete ... you're CRAZY !!!

 

[crazypete]

Yeah,but it worked. I even have the pictures to prove it (if anyone cares)!

Lemme tell ya. The whole doing this on your back under a car is the part that sucks the most. You need the car on the ground so the axles hold the ring gear in place while you tighten stuff up. You've got the rear swaybar right in your face. And that friction modifier just smells so good.

One tip if you go to do this: jacks and a breaker bar.

Use the 15/16 socket'ed breaker bar and put the jack underneath it and jack up to put insane torque on the bolt and get it loose. Installing it wasnt that bad.

 

[TRWXXA]

If you're replacing stock gears (the ones installed at the factory, not just a stock ratio that replaced the originals), and are installing Ford gears, you can use this method (LINKY LINKY) . It's a little simpler than the usual procedure, and doesn't require the guage to measure pinion depth. The other specialty tools can be easily borrowed or rented.

 

[Niks93GT]

Don't feel bad Pete, thats what my buddy at *gasp* the chevy dealership did when he installed mine. He installed 'em and rebuild the trac-lok for $50. I supplied all parts, friction modifier and gear oil.

Nik