Ford 8" gears needed

[38project]

Looking for some ford 8" gears. 3:55 or 3:80
Thought maybe someone might have a new set (likely) or even a decent used set.
Thanks

[R Pope]

You'll have to go aftermarket, I don't think Ford ever made steep gears for the 8". Most were like 3.08 or 2.73.

[IC2]

You'll have to go aftermarket, I don't think Ford ever made steep gears for the 8". Most were like 3.08 or 2.73.

Yeah, they did - and as high as 4.10. Chances of finding anything more then a 3.55 will be more difficult then the proverbial hen's teeth.

The last couple of years of Pinto wagons - yes, Pinto's had 3.40's as did the 250 ci, 4spd Granada's. A 200 ci Granada(and of course the Monarch) with a 4 spd had 3.55's. Most Mavericks/Comets had 2.79 or 3.00 gears (I have one very nice complete center set each of them I've been trying to sell).

With Granada's, some V8 C4 versions had the GM style, drop out the back as well and useless as far as a rod is concerned.

Best tho - is aftermarket - they don't have 30 years worth of wear

[38project]

Thanks guys, that was my biggest fear of getting used is the wear. And I was thinking maybe someone ordered some and decided to go another route and might need to sell them.
The rear end was out of a Granada, but no the right one.
Running a 4L60E behind and LT1 I thought the 3:55 would work best, but would take a little lower gear.

[IC2]

Thanks guys, that was my biggest fear of getting used is the wear. And I was thinking maybe someone ordered some and decided to go another route and might need to sell them.
The rear end was out of a Granada, but no the right one.
Running a 4L60E behind and LT1 I thought the 3:55 would work best, but would take a little lower gear.

The 3.55's would be a nice gear that with tires that are not too tall could work well. Just remember to factor tire height in to the equation as a too tall tire and a numerically low gear ratio can put you into a poor efficiency engine RPM range. I'm running tall tires - ~30" with a C4 and 3.25's. If I were to swap to the AOD, a .62 OD - then throw in the tall tires - not good.

[Dave Severson]

I think I have an extra 8" center section laying around.... No posi or anything..... If you should decide you want to put one together with a set of wicked Saturday night gears and a spool........

My 6.50's are a blast on the street!!!!!!! With a 5 speed, you stay really busy pullin' the handle!!!!!!!!!!!

[38project]

Thanks IC2 I think the 3:55 would be the smartest route. At this point we are not sure whate tire combo would look and fit well under the coupe. This seems to be the biggest road block so far for us. Backspacing and size. We are leaning toward 16" in the rear and 15" in the front.
We need to send the computer off to have it reprogrammed and we have to know the tire size and gears.

Dave, do you have any 3:55 gears your looking to sell?

[Dave Severson]

Thanks IC2 I think the 3:55 would be the smartest route. At this point we are not sure whate tire combo would look and fit well under the coupe. This seems to be the biggest road block so far for us. Backspacing and size. We are leaning toward 16" in the rear and 15" in the front.
We need to send the computer off to have it reprogrammed and we have to know the tire size and gears.

Dave, do you have any 3:55 gears your looking to sell?

Nope, the only 8" center section I have left is just a set with a ratio in the low 3.00's.... Should have one more set out to the farm, but I'm sure they're the same..... I'll take a look next time I'm out there but don't hold your breath!!!!!

[Stu Cool]

I got my 3.80s and trac loc center section on EBay. Was not what I call a real bargain, but cheaper than the local venders, even after shipping. They came set up and ready to bolt in with a 60 day guarentee.

Here is an auction going on right now

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...ars&category0=

And another for just the gears

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-For...spagenameZWDVW

Pat

[John Palmer]

I have an 8" in my 32 roadster with "the usual street rod" 350 engine, and 350 (non O/D) transmission. The rear tires are 30" tall. It has an open diff with a stock 2.78 gear. I'm getting ready to tear the car completely apart for paint and really want to upgrade the differential to a limited slip with a 3.55 or 3.80 gear for a little more guts off the line. Just can't decide which one would be the better all around choice.

But, as the price of gas continues to raise my "Bonneville Gear" is looking better, LOL.

[IC2]

I have an 8" in my 32 roadster with "the usual street rod" 350 engine, and 350 (non O/D) transmission. The rear tires are 30" tall. It has an open diff with a stock 2.78 gear. I'm getting ready to tear the car completely apart for paint and really want to upgrade the differential to a limited slip with a 3.55 or 3.80 gear for a little more guts off the line. Just can't decide which one would be the better all around choice.

But, as the price of gas continues to raise my "Bonneville Gear" is looking better, LOL.

With the 2.79 gears and the 30" tires, it will need some "adjustment" in the final drive selection. I went from the 2.79's to 3.40's (along with a few engine mods to a .030 over 351W) but the seat of the pants feel was mega different. I have a 9" in my latest with the 3.25 gear set and a spare set of 3.70's. I got the 3.70's out today to see what it needed to sell it - a crush sleeve after changing the yokes around. Then got to thinking - 30" tall tires, + 3.25 equals not much off the line, so, we'll see if the 3.70 punkin goes on the block or not .

[Stu Cool]

John and Dave,

If you can figure a way to go to an overdrive transmission when you put in the lower gears, you will be amazed how different the cars will be. Most of the OD auto trans have a pretty low 1st gear so you get neck snapping performance. Then when they get into OD, you have the good low cruising RPM. Best of both worlds.

Pat

[IC2]

John and Dave,

If you can figure a way to go to an overdrive transmission when you put in the lower gears, you will be amazed how different the cars will be. Most of the OD auto trans have a pretty low 1st gear so you get neck snapping performance. Then when they get into OD, you have the good low cruising RPM. Best of both worlds.

Pat

You are right - until you get below the lowest engine efficiency

[Stu Cool]

Could be true. That's why you put in the lower gears. I have 3.80s with a 28" tire. 65 mph is 2100 RPM, 55 is just under 1800. With the 30" tires these guys are talking about, the 3.80s and a .7 OD should put them just under 2000 at 65. Should not be a problem for most V-8s.

Pat

[38project]

I would consider running the 2.79 just so they can set the computer, but if I dont like it I sure dont want to have them charge me again when I change them out with the 3:55. I was looking for the gear ratios in the 4L60E to see what it would be with the 2.79 and 3:55. Does anyone have them?