Mustang Evolution Forum banner

How do i install 373 gears?

1K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  3stangs 
#1 ·
Is it a DIY project or is it hard to do it yourself. I have experience taking rears apart and freshening the up but not shimming gears and putting new posi units in. Can someone who has done it give me the low down. Or if you know of a good online video please help! Thanks for your time. I have asked this before but received vauige answers
 
#7 ·
The hardest part is setting the backlash. Gotta have right caliper for that. IMO not really something to try on your own without some guidance. If you can get someone to assist you tht would be best. A buddy and I did a gear change years ago and didn't something wrong which caused the rear end to lock up while goon down the road at 40 mph. Not fun.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I found a good shop that charged me 2 hours of labor which is right on the money and I agree. However, there are SO many shops that will charge a ****load of money for rear gear installs and I have no idea why. Maybe because they know that this is one of those jobs that almost noone can DIY or maybe they are just assholes. I had quotes of $400, $500, and even one of $700 when I was looking for my install on my 95 Cobra I used to have. I literally laughed in the face of the guy who told me $700 and walked right out the door.

This job is one thing I have not done and I am going to learn when and if I decide to change from the 3.73s in my 98 to something else. I'm sure with the right tools and some instructions, I'll have no problem doing it nor should anyone comfortable working on cars IMO.

If you do go to a shop, this job can be done in under 2 hours by a competent mechanic. I might give them 3 hours of labor but that would be the max.
 
#11 ·
It's a 4hr job to do it right. The reason shops charge a lot is because most good mechanics can't do it right. If the wear pattern is not shimed right, it will whinnnnnne and overheat. The only specialty tools required are, mag base & dial indicator, and a torque wrench. If you do try it, pick up some extra crush washers from parts store, you will need them. If the wear pattern is not correct the first time, you will have to disassemble and install a new crush washer each time till you get it right. Remember just because a place is a speed shop, doesn't mean they can setup a rear end, research the place. There should be no whine, don't let them tell you that's how 3. 73s sound.
 
#13 ·
For the SN 95s all you need is a speedo gear for the tranny. Should be a sub $20 part and an easy replacement. Believe it's on the driver side of the tranny. I know latemodelresoration had them. They usually come in different colors to indicate how many teeth are on it. This will get you close enough.
 
#15 ·
I did my own gears not to long ago. First time I ever did them. I even installed used gears. Guess what, no whine or issues...its not that hard. These "special tools" you need cost about $15 from harbor freight. Everyone makes this sound so complicated. I didn't even set the backlash with the dial caliper. I set it by the wear marks in the paint on the ring gear. How do you think its been done for decades. Thats the point of the paint. Dont get discouraged by other people who are scared to something themselves
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top