Newbie looking for gear ratio options on 2003 MM 300A

[YankeeMarauder]

So its been like a month since I got her. I knew when I adopted her she had some small issues that needed addressed. I have taken care of all but two. One being a burn hole in the rear cushion, but the other being the rear end. I was told at the shop yesterday that it was the pinion bearing. They also were good enough to tell me that they cant/wont fix it. So, my question is like this:

1-If you are local, where is a good shop around Dallas / Fort Worth to have this done?

2- Since its going to the shop, should I replace the rear gears since they are stock and have no balls?

3- Finally, what size gears should I move up to? I keep hearing 3.73s and 4.10s. My only concern is that the 4.10s may be too high for highway travel.

[Rockettman]

In this same heading of Shop Talk, you'll find a whole thread on if 4.10's are too high for highway travel called "OK - I'm feeling 4.10's...but". I'll be doing the change to 4.10's either before of just after the snow!
As you'll learn, the Marauder was supposed to come with 4.10's in the first place, but the government wouldn't let that happen. The thread goes much further into answering the question though.

[Blackened300a]

So its been like a month since I got her. I knew when I adopted her she had some small issues that needed addressed. I have taken care of all but two. One being a burn hole in the rear cushion, but the other being the rear end. I was told at the shop yesterday that it was the pinion bearing. They also were good enough to tell me that they cant/wont fix it. So, my question is like this:

1-If you are local, where is a good shop around Dallas / Fort Worth to have this done?

2- Since its going to the shop, should I replace the rear gears since they are stock and have no balls?

3- Finally, what size gears should I move up to? I keep hearing 3.73s and 4.10s. My only concern is that the 4.10s may be too high for highway travel.

If you are going to change the gear ratio, you'll need a tune. Which will open up more money and push up your budget. Stock is 3.55's and if you are going to upgrade, go for the 4.10s It will only cost you 1 mpg and you'll be turning about 2300 RPMs at 75 mph. The pay off is that the car will feel like it should have from the factory.

[SC Cheesehead]

^^^^^^ What Paul said. ^^^^^^

Go for the 4.10s, you won't regret it.

[ctrlraven]

Def go with 4.10s if they are something you plan on doing in the future anyways. As Paul said you will need a tune though for it.

[YankeeMarauder]

Ok, so being a complete cherry let me ask another question or two:

1-What will happen without the tune?

2-What else will I need to change besides the gears?

3-How much should I expect to pay for a good tune?

4- Where can i get a good tune done?

[Blackened300a]

Ok, so being a complete cherry let me ask another question or two:

1-What will happen without the tune?

2-What else will I need to change besides the gears?

3-How much should I expect to pay for a good tune?

4- Where can i get a good tune done?

1-Your speedometer and shift points will be completely off.
2-You'll need a installation kit. Sparta sells these. Its also a good idea to check your axles out and change all the seals and bearings.
3- A dyno tune plus tuner will run you about $700. A tuner with a mail order tune will run a little over $400.
4- Your local SCT shop can dyno tune your car which is the best way to go, or you can contact Alternative or Reinhart for a tune.

[Rockettman]

4- Where can i get a good tune done?

Oh boy...I can see where this is gonna go. :depress:

[fastblackmerc]

1-What will happen without the tune?

A - You shift points & speedo will be off and the car will run crappy.

2-What else will I need to change besides the gears?

A - I'd also change all the bearings (carrier & axle) while in there.

3-How much should I expect to pay for a good tune?

A - You'll have to purchase a tuner. Check with Lidio or DR for prices.

4- Where can i get a good tune done?

A - See answer to question 4.

[TFB]

Also be sure it doesn't have a axle issue(maybe instead?), that's a common problem with the early models...

[babbage]

If you are going to change the gear ratio, you'll need a tune. Which will open up more money and push up your budget. Stock is 3.55's and if you are going to upgrade, go for the 4.10s It will only cost you 1 mpg and you'll be turning about 2300 RPMs at 75 mph.

At 80 with 4.10 you are spinning 2700.
At 80 with 3.73 you are spinning 2500.

There is also a 3.90 gearset that you can get.

[SC Cheesehead]

At 80 with 4.10 you are spinning 2700.
At 80 with 3.73 you are spinning 2500.

There is also a 3.90 gearset that you can get.


Yup, that 200 RPM's a killer.... ;) ------> :D

4.10s FTW! :banana2:

[RF Overlord]

the Marauder was supposed to come with 4.10's in the first place, but the government wouldn't let that happen. Not true. The dadburn gummint had nothing to do with the decision. Ford's bean counters decided that installing 4.10s would "just" push the car into gas-guzzler tax range. This is from Steve Babcock himself.

[Rockettman]

Not true. The dadburn gummint had nothing to do with the decision. Ford's bean counters decided that installing 4.10s would "just" push the car into gas-guzzler tax range. This is from Steve Babcock himself.

Ok...I was half right. :beer:

All the same - get some 4.10's!