Hey Guys, I'm going for my first mod ever on my 97 GT 5spd and I've decided on the 4.1 gears - especially because I dont do too much highway drving and love taking off fast at stoplights. My question is what tools/instruments do I need and what are the important things I need to keep in mind when I change my gears myself? I dont mind how much time it takes- but I want to do it myself and learn at the same time- I have worked on my car the last 4 months and the most intensive thing I've done is the pinion seal replacement -successfully. Are the gears much harder than this in difficulty level? If I apply myself and take my time I think I can do it- what do you guys think? Also, I would much appreciate anyone pointing me to a detailed article on this process -with lots of pictures preferably. Also, do you guys recommend that I get a new master bearing set as well with my new gears??? what if I buy used 4.1s? I was thinking that once I get the gears done, I will get a steeda tri-ax short throw shifter to compliment them - do I need to get any other mods done when I change gears to 4.1s? My car is completely stock except for the K&N air filter and flowmaster exhaust. I also have 245/50/16 tires. Thanks a lot in advance for the help and also thanks for the many useful suggesstions to my earlier posts.
4.1 gear install for mustang GT.
Apr 23, 2004
5 Replies
Get a 8.8 gear installation video, check ebay or call some mustang shops, they should have it.
Didn't even know those existed dude.. LOL...
-Mike
Are you refering to 4.11's? If you do the gears, plan on needing tires in June. If they last that long.
I am not doubting your ability....... I've owned my Mustang for almost 15 years. I learned how to work on cars from doing everything on my car. Brakes, clutches, axle swaps, rebuilding the engine, seal replacement etc....... Installing gears is one of the few items I gladly pay a pro to do. Find a Ford mechanic who does that on the side or a local speed shop and have them do it...... The most I have paid is $150 for the service.
Casey
you can do it and it's good to learn, mess it up and you can kill yourself or someone else, from my learning experiences I would have been WAY ahead by paying a person with know how to do few things, but I learned, somtimes the hard way. you should help someone or watch someone install a gear before doing it yourself, minimum you'll need 2 friends a couple of torque wrenches, magnetic base/dial indicater access to a press and possibly installation kit, bearings? shims,crush sleeve,pinion nut& seal will/may also be necessary. I wouldn't buy a used gear unless I knew the person and the car it came from,new 8.8 gears can be bought for 130.00 or less.
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