Rudi wrote:

I did not consider driving mine with 2.79 rear.
Using the appropriate tables I calculated that 3.25 gears would give me the kind of top gear rpms needed for the intended use of the car at that time. My 70 mph rpm ended up being 1950 giving me 22-24 mpg on interstates.
Since I stopped long road trips I could go to 3.55 rear gears even though lugging was never an issue.

with the wide ratio 1 & 2  I knew it wouldnt hurt the trans or the torque converter. but sure does feel sluggish on 3rd and 4th

Bullet Bob wrote:

When I started our project...way back in 06...I also calculated that a 3.25 would be about perfect.  Butt (TS&T) when I went looking for a 3.25 gear set I was told by a couple of sources (Randy's Ring and Pinion come to mind) that nobody makes a 3.25 for a 8" that can be set up to run quietly.  So I went with a 3.55...actually twice...and ended up with a rear end that was pretty quiet except for a slight whine which I hated.  Anyway, as to the ratio, I have been very please with the 3.55 and kept that ratio when I swapped in the Explorer 8.8.  It is reasonably peppy around town and runs just a touch over 2200 at 70 and under 24 at 75.  That's probably a hundred or so over optimum but is very acceptable to me, especially considering all the high passes I need to climb to go anywhere.

Gaba, since I sort of feel responsible for helping to talk you into doing your own trans, now I think I'll talk you into doing your own 8.8 conversion.  I have right at $700 in our 8.8 which includes buying the axle, my labor to narrow it, all new bearings, rebuilding the LS, and all new disc brake parts.  Prior to doing it I spent at least $800 having two different "experts" set up two different sets of 8" gears trying to get a quiet stock (open) 8".  The 8.8 is super simple to set up compared to the 8" or 9" and is nearly as strong as the 9"...or maybe even stronger considering what Ford and others are doing with them.
Once again, I have the necessary tools and will loan them to you.

For what it's worth, I have driven two cars with 8" gears that were built by an outfit that has received very favorable mention on this forum and both sounded like a mashed cat to me...and if I can hear it, it has to be loud. 

BB

I do agree that 8.8 would be awesome , but , I just paid for 3.50 8” third member :D

MS and other people all recommended what you are recommending , go with a 3.50

So I am listening , and I am buying Micheal (new Mustang Steve’s ) 8” third member .

He is giving me a great deal compared to buying a rebuilt one outside or even doing a 8.8 swap.

So while I am not listening your full advice yet.... I sure am listening to the majority that , I need 3.50 in there

Soon I’ll have that pep you talked about ;)

Gaba wrote:

OK !! so

drove the mustang to and from the exhaust shop! and yes it was AMAZING!! such a great feel to have 4th gear with the AOD!!
 

And a greater feeling knowing that you were the guy who rebuilt that transmission which actually works as designed. Not a of hot rodders can say they've done that. Congrats brother.

Oh, and are you planning on driving the 65 to the Bash?
 

Last edited by rpm (5/16/2019 9:49 AM)

Way to go Gaba. we all knew you could do it.

If you are interested in rebuilding a 8" or 9" chunk, here is part 1 of 4 that I used when going through mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w4VL1zmTEQ

The problem I had was tools for setting the drag on the crush sleeve. I was close to ripping my vise off the bench at home and I broke my 1/2 breaker bar trying to get it set. I took it to work for a stronger vise and table, borrowed a 3/4 drive breaker bar and torque wrench from one of my guys to get the crush sleeve set and then torqued. The new bearings made things in the car much quieter, but I still second guess myself that I got the back lash and contact pattern correct.


 

Yo Gaba! You have a PM.