Guys,

A local mustang shop is willing to install a set of 4:10 on my truck for only $400 (parts and labor). Does this sound right or am I being taken for a ride?

 

Hello crain,

The parts are over $200 and it's 2-3 hours labor, so that's seams about right.

 

A rule of thumb has been on average its about $600 an axle for gears and installation. It all depends on what shops charge for labor. Thats actually a pretty good deal if its on just one axle, if its on 2 then its a smokin deal.

 

Crain, mind sharing name of the shop that gave you that price? Seems reasonable.

Scott D

 

damn, the shop that quoted me for 4.56 gears said 800 bux

 

Thanks guys for your reply...I am headed to the shop next week.

Scott D,

The shop is Fastlane in Benson, well just outside of Clayton. They are a split off of True Blue Performance. They installed my e'fans. You can reach them at (919) 989-9377. These guys keep motorsport parts in stock and apparently do gear changes all the time. The price was quoted to me based on having the 8.8 rear end vs. 9.75. I believe that all 2WDs have the 8.8 but maybe not. The 9.75 rear end would be a bit more than the price I was quoted.

I have a few mods but after you get use to them, you still want more and I believe the 4:10s will be my best bet at this time. With 265/75/16 tires, I have to figure out which speedo gear I will need. Currently, I have the 19th tooth VSS gear and my speedo is working to standard. I believe I need to go to a 21 tooth VSS gear or more to bring it in line after the gear install...not sure??

 

Thanks for info Crain. Let us know how you like the gears.

Scott D

 

Got 4:10s installed yesterday. The final price was $495.58 for parts and labor; then after tax, oil, etc. My initial impression was a guarded Wow!! I used the term "guarded" because I am trying to baby it for the first 500 miles or so for break-in. Although the guys at the Mustang shop said they ran it for a while on the tread and I could drive it like normal, I would rather be safe than sorry. Without rushing off the line, it is clear that accleration is much better. At first, I thought the gas pedal had been adjusted or something because a little pressure produced an immediate and strong response. It's not a racer but a significant improvement over 3.55. The gears are quiet, no noise at all. I have read some complain about noise after having gears installed...maybe that was much lower gears than 4:10s. Anyways, with 31" tires, I installed the 21 tooh (purple) VSS gear. I think the speedo is accurate but it may still be a little of.

 

Crain, do you think that 1st gear is now too low to be usable?

How's the engine sounding in 5th at highway speed?

Scott D

 

Scott D,

With the superchip, my shift points are still very smooth throughout. First gear is more responsive, but in no way does it jerk you off the line. With all the mods I have done so far, the performance gains individually are modest at best, but together they make the truck fun to drive. Without a doubt, the gear change by itself has been the best mod for "seat of the pants" feel but my truck doesn't move like a GT mustang. Finally, I have not noticed any unusual noises from the engine or anywhere else at highway speeds. Although, I am keeping my speed at or under 65 MPH for the first 500 miles. Nevertheless, I think the guys at Fastlane did a great job. Ask for Melvin if you decide to go with them.

 

Scott D,

Not sure if you are still tracking this post, but if your earlier question about engine noise in 5th at highway speeds is related to what happens at higher speeds, the answer is yes. I finally got beyond the break-in period and pushed the truck alitte on the highway this weekend. I would classify at speeds between 80-85 MPH as a minor vibration vs. engine noise. My truck didn't feel as if it would run much faster than 85 or so. On my return trip, I pushed it to 85 again and the vibration was noticeably less...not sure if this is something that lessen with use??