I was just wondering, I plan on doing a 302 swap late this year or early next year and I wanna know what I should do about regearing? Should I just do 4.10's or 4.56's? Or I need something else for the V8? Because if I just need say 4.56's, I would like to regear soon rather than wait till the end of the year...

 

You will be fine with 4.10's. They might be even a little to high with only 33's. But what 302 are you putting in? What is the estimated HP/TQ?

 

4.10s...well...what trans? Either way 4.10s will be fine.

 

Im going to go for the 5.0L from the explorer and when I do the swap Im going to use a M50DR2 from the f150 for a tranny because I want to stay manual...I drive alot of highway by the way...

 

you could go lower numerically. that would help with gas mileage.

 

Yea...3.73s or prolly 3.96(or whatever is between)

 

This should of probably been my first question but how do I tell what I have now?? and so some where between 3.73 and 3.96 is going to be best for for 33's and the swap??

 

4.10's on the highway will be taching pretty good. I agree w/ the others and say go w/ a 3.73.

 

Ok, thats probably what ill do then, but how do I check what I have now?

 

Anyone?

 

axle code is in the door jamb, post it up. that will let us look up the gears you have.

if your 2wd then i would even think 3.55s would be good.

 

Well thats what I thought to check at first and now I double checked and I dont see anything in the door jams....the only thing I could guess is that the previous owner took it off, not sure why he would do that but is there any other way?

 

there should be a tag on the rear diff cover. what does that say?

 

It says:

S368S
3 73 75 8L16

 

You have an open 3.73's

 

Sorry Ima newb, what does it mean open??

 

Not limited slip.

 

Oh ok...so no need for me to regear since ill be swapping the motor, correct?

 

Yeah, you should be fine. Although I run 4.56s with 35s and it seems just fine. I can cruise at 70 MPH at about 2500 and get 18 MPG doing that speed.

I think I would personally go with the 4.10s, but if you do a lot of highway then you will be happy with 3.73s.

 

Did anyone notice he has 3.73's with a 7.5? That thing isn't going to like all the extra torque of the 302. I would recommend finding either an Explorer axle with 3.73's or a Ranger 8.8 with 3.73's.

 

Ya, I would get an 8.8 and if you are going threw the trouble grab a l/s one also unless you plan on putting a locker in.

 

you beat me too if go get yourself and exploder 8.8 with disc breaks and 3.73l/s so you have a little extra stopping power with the new motor