AFM Web

Go Back   Ford Mustang Forums > Mustang Forums > 2.3 and SVO Mustang > 2.3L Tech
Welcome to AllFordMustangs.com. We look forward to you registering on our forum and making your first post.
Introductions| Mustang Lounge | 2.3L Talk | 2.3L Tech | Mustang Tech | Tech | Racing | Regional

Reply
 
Old 02-10-2007   #1 (permalink)
Rcoupe91 is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18 Threads: 6
 Rcoupe91's Country Flag
Oxford   Alabama
Question What gears work best for a 7.5" rearend in a Mustang?

what gears would be the best choice for my mustang i think it has the a 7.5 rear end
__________________
Project daily driver
1991 Mustang coupe (SVO convert)
Project Thunder-chicken
1987 Thunderbird 5.0 (347 Stroker)
Rcoupe91 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2007   #2 (permalink)
coolwaterblvd is offline Made Member

4.6L Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 975 Threads: 4
 coolwaterblvd's Country Flag  View coolwaterblvd's 10 photos  View coolwaterblvd's 4 products for your review
Sumter   South Carolina
Default

Find a 8.8 it will be cheaper in the long run but the rule or thumb is 3.55 for 5 speed 3.73 for auto and 3.27s if you want a little gas mileage with a little more performance. remember the higher the gear you go the smaller the pinion gear and the less metal meaning less strength. Go 8.8 with a Auburn HD diff and you will be cool down into the 11's with dependability. The 7.5 is just not up to the power it is a time bomb waiting to break at the worst time. But the ratios are the same if you decide to keep the 7.5. As far a auto manual and the 3.27 if they even have a good selection of ratios.
coolwaterblvd is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2007   #3 (permalink)
74stang2togo is offline Forums Moderator

Mustang II Member
2.3L Member
5.0L Member


Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,381 Threads: 170
 74stang2togo's Country Flag  View 74stang2togo's 8 photos  View 74stang2togo's HomePage
Central   Texas
Send a message via AIM to 74stang2togo Send a message via Yahoo to 74stang2togo
Default

What gears to go with depends on what you're doing. If it's just a daily driver you want to have fun with, then go with 3.55s or 3.73s at the most to keep your fuel mileage reasonable (3.55s would be the better choice if you do mostly highway driving, my '87 GT 5.0 got 29mpg highway with it's factory 2.73s, and only dropped to 27.5mpg highway with 3.55s, my in town mileage jumped from 8mpg city to 13mpg city so I was thrilled with the trade-off, but my in-town mileage would've probably been better with 3.73s (heck, my '75 Chevy pickup with it's built-up 400 and TH350 gets 14-16mpg in town with a 4.56 rear end, but about 4mpg highway (no joke)).

If it's just a drag car? 3.73s on up depending on where you want your RPM range to be there are guys out there running 4.56 and 5.14 gear sets in their Mustangs (though the lowest I've seen in a 7.5 is 4.11, I've not seen a 4.56 or lower (the higher the number, the lower the gear is) for a 7.5 rear-end yet) but if it's a drag car I'd be right there with coolwaterblvd in recommending you junk the 7.5 in favor of at least an 8.8, even a stock 2.3L N/A engine has enough torque to wreak havoc on a stock 7.5, though there are a few upgrades available for the 7.5 including girdled covers and aftermarket gear sets that are stronger than stock.

If you're road-racing or circle-track racing with the car, then the gear set is going to have to be a good compromise between acceleration and top speed to fit the track/class your racing and your engine's RPM range. There are tracks where a 2.73 is great due to really long straight stretches that let you really wind it up, and other tracks where you'll never get going too fast, but need enough acceleration to pass the other guy coming off the corner where only a 4.11 or lower will give you a chance.
__________________
1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia: 302 with a 600cfm Edelbrock carb, Edelbrock Performer 289 intake, Dynomax Blackjack headers, 2.5" exhaust with Flowmaster Super 44s. RJS 11-gallon fuel cell, C4 tranny, chrome 16" pony wheels, fuzzy dice, brown vinyl half-top, and painted in the tackiest color ever (harvest gold, that's why I call it "The Goldenrod").

Also have a 2003 Dodge Ram (lightly modded daily driver/tow rig/office/dining room/home away from home/workshop... I call it "The Big Blue Dawg".)
74stang2togo is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2007   #4 (permalink)
Rcoupe91 is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18 Threads: 6
 Rcoupe91's Country Flag
Oxford   Alabama
Default

it is just gonna be a daily driver that i have fun with from time to time im going to put a turbo four cyl from a 86 mustang svo in as soon as i get the motor finished

im still driving my car daily its gonna need a new clutch SOON but untill it goes out im still drivin it (it slips like crazy) and i have a new clutch waitin to go in

i would like to get a little more get up and go action out of he car before the turbo motor goes in
__________________
Project daily driver
1991 Mustang coupe (SVO convert)
Project Thunder-chicken
1987 Thunderbird 5.0 (347 Stroker)
Rcoupe91 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-13-2007   #5 (permalink)
b_chandler is offline Made Member

2.3L Member
V6 Member
S197 Member


Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 999 Threads: 3
 b_chandler's Country Flag  View b_chandler's 9 photos
Buford   Georgia
Default

I doubt you'll hurt that 7.5" axle even with a turbo 4. You can find 7.5 Trac-Locs on Ebay quite often for under $100.00. Rebuild kits are still available and you may as well throw one in when you have everything apart.

Factory gears were 3.45 for 5-speeds and 3.73 for automatics.

My car was a factory auto car. After the 5-speed swap, I left the 3.73s in the car and I'm perfectly happy with them. I run a 25.5" tall tire and highway speeds put the motor in the 2800-3200rpm range cruising in 5th.
b_chandler is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2007   #6 (permalink)
Rcoupe91 is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18 Threads: 6
 Rcoupe91's Country Flag
Oxford   Alabama
Default

so if i take the 3.45s out and stick in some 3.73s what kinda change will i have before i put the turbo motor in

looks like im gonna have to drive the factory motor for a bit longer having some problems with the turbo motor and a friend just gave me some 3.73s and i kinda want to put them in now hehehe just wanted to know how the factory motor will handle with 3.73 put in
__________________
Project daily driver
1991 Mustang coupe (SVO convert)
Project Thunder-chicken
1987 Thunderbird 5.0 (347 Stroker)
Rcoupe91 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2007   #7 (permalink)
b_chandler is offline Made Member

2.3L Member
V6 Member
S197 Member


Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 999 Threads: 3
 b_chandler's Country Flag  View b_chandler's 9 photos
Buford   Georgia
Default

It'll be a little quicker out of the hole, and highway cruising RPMs will go up a little. That long 3rd gear pull will feel a little better as well.
b_chandler is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2007   #8 (permalink)
townsend43 is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 14 Threads: 2
 townsend43's Country Flag
Camas   Washington
Default

well i dont have a 5 speed in my 1980 2.3l n/a...it came with a 4 speed...what kinda gear ratio would i want to go with to beat these lil rice rockets that run around or should i stick a t-5 in it?? ...granted when i find a 2.3l turbo i'll beat them anyways...but i would like more get up and go...and not hurt the gas milage alot.
townsend43 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-09-2007   #9 (permalink)
scruffman is offline Apprentice

2.3L Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 206 Threads: 41
 scruffman's Country Flag
Aiken   South Carolina
Default

how does one tell these rear ends??? I know the none inch and twelve bolt.... but these both look the same to me...
scruffman is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2007   #10 (permalink)
My'StangOpens is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 30 Threads: 2
 My'StangOpens's Country Flag
Northeast   Pennsylvania
Default

240hp/300tq with a 7.5" rear end and 3.45 gears

http://www.projecthp.ford23.com/dailydriver.html

so a stock 2.3 has too much torque for it?

and GTs came with 7.5s up until 1986
My'StangOpens is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2007   #11 (permalink)
Beagle1 is offline Made Member

Classic Member
S197 Member


Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 712 Threads: 24
 Beagle1's Country Flag  View Beagle1's 66 photos  View Beagle1's 1 classified ad  View Beagle1's HomePage
Metro Detroit   Michigan
Default

You can hurt a 7.5" with a turbo 2.3L.

I had an 88 Ranger with a 2.3L, 26psi boost, Engle Cam and some other work back in the early 90's.

Broke a 4.10 and a 4.56 gear in the 7.5"' rear. Stripped the pinion teeth clean off leaving at 5,000. This was with 26x8.5 slicks with ladder bars. The Mazda 5spd never let me down though.

They made the 4.56 gear for a while for lifted Rangers with big tires.
__________________
2006 Legend Lime GT: Samco, Metco, LPW, Brembo 6 pot brakes with floating rotors, Magnacharger with 8-Rib, LubeLocker, Royal Purple, FR500S front end, APR Performance Carbon Fiber Rear Wing, Roll bar, 10 qt upgraded oil system...Thank you Capaldi Racing for all your help!
2007 Mustang GT/CS : Wife's Car, Magnacharged too.
1966 Mustang GT-K Code Coupe: Restored
Beagle1 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-17-2007   #12 (permalink)
My'StangOpens is offline Rookie

2.3L Member


Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 30 Threads: 2
 My'StangOpens's Country Flag
Northeast   Pennsylvania
Default

well of course u broke a 7.5 with 26pounds of boost and slicks.. thats jus obvious.. u wont break it with 20pounds and street tires tho
My'StangOpens is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2007   #13 (permalink)
Beagle1 is offline Made Member

Classic Member
S197 Member


Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 712 Threads: 24
 Beagle1's Country Flag  View Beagle1's 66 photos  View Beagle1's 1 classified ad  View Beagle1's HomePage
Metro Detroit   Michigan
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by My'StangOpens View Post
well of course u broke a 7.5 with 26pounds of boost and slicks.. thats jus obvious.. u wont break it with 20pounds and street tires tho
I was only 21 at the time (17 years ago), and didn't put the fore thought into the end result with the driveline. I knew the engine part of it and it lived for 3 years until one rod got tired (the other 3 were bent a little shorter than when new). Wish I had it to do over again with the money and knowledge I have now. Back then I had $1000 into the whole engine project.

Sure was fun spanking 5.0L Rangers though.
__________________
2006 Legend Lime GT: Samco, Metco, LPW, Brembo 6 pot brakes with floating rotors, Magnacharger with 8-Rib, LubeLocker, Royal Purple, FR500S front end, APR Performance Carbon Fiber Rear Wing, Roll bar, 10 qt upgraded oil system...Thank you Capaldi Racing for all your help!
2007 Mustang GT/CS : Wife's Car, Magnacharged too.
1966 Mustang GT-K Code Coupe: Restored
Beagle1 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2007   #14 (permalink)
kscoyote is offline Top Dog

V6 Member


Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 19,314 Threads: 298
 kscoyote's Country Flag  View kscoyote's 220 photos  View kscoyote's 1 products for your review  View kscoyote's HomePage
Topeka   Kansas
Send a message via ICQ to kscoyote Send a message via AIM to kscoyote Send a message via MSN to kscoyote Send a message via Yahoo to kscoyote
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by My'StangOpens View Post
well of course u broke a 7.5 with 26pounds of boost and slicks.. thats jus obvious.. u wont break it with 20pounds and street tires tho
+ 5000RPM?!?!?

__________________
Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,his upper rooms by injustice,making his countrymen work for nothing...Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar?Did not your father have food and drink?He did what was right and just,so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy,and so all went well...But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain,on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion. Jer 22:13, 15-17
kscoyote is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2007   #15 (permalink)
Beagle1 is offline Made Member

Classic Member
S197 Member


Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 712 Threads: 24
 Beagle1's Country Flag  View Beagle1's 66 photos  View Beagle1's 1 classified ad  View Beagle1's HomePage
Metro Detroit   Michigan
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kscoyote View Post
+ 5000RPM?!?!?

Leave at 5k, shift at 7800. Carried the Left Front tire for about 40ft. Made the Super Shops video long time ago when they were in business.
__________________
2006 Legend Lime GT: Samco, Metco, LPW, Brembo 6 pot brakes with floating rotors, Magnacharger with 8-Rib, LubeLocker, Royal Purple, FR500S front end, APR Performance Carbon Fiber Rear Wing, Roll bar, 10 qt upgraded oil system...Thank you Capaldi Racing for all your help!
2007 Mustang GT/CS : Wife's Car, Magnacharged too.
1966 Mustang GT-K Code Coupe: Restored
Beagle1 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply



Thread Tools


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
600 HP Boss Mustang with 50k Warranty? junior 2005-2009 Mustang Talk 24 02-09-2008 05:56 AM
5.0 Mustang and my wife..... FordTrucksForMe 5.0L Talk 25 05-16-2007 10:53 PM
Buying Gears and Shifter...need advise gmflash 4.6L Talk 21 01-15-2007 08:31 AM
Will a 1998 8.8 trac loc rear axle work in a 1967 Mustang? tjstang67 Classic Tech 2 01-06-2007 03:40 PM

sponsors

Mustang Photos
Add to Favorites    Link to us    Contact    Directory    Site Rules    Archive    Terms of Use    Privacy    Top Sites    RSS    Meet Our Sponsors    Advertise   
AllFordMustangs is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. ©Copyright 2002-2010 All Auto Enthusiasts Network

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112