Need some help from you guys/gals. I have my L in the garage with the rear axle cover off draining the oil. With the salt on the roads I cannot drive the truck at all. My problem is I am going to install 4.10 FMS gears, but will either have to do it myself with the axle in the truck, or remove the axle to have it done by a friend that ownes a buiness where thats all they do is rebuild differtials. I have alot of mechanical ability, have pullers and dial indicators, and access to manuals. So what should I do? I know some of you have done it yourself, and want your opinion.

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99 red lightning, bassani complete system #1610 of 4000
2001 arctic cat zr440 snopro on the way
2000 super duty v10
Arctic cat 400 4x4
Cobra "R" #131 of 300
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My opinion is that even the best mechanically enclined people should not attempt this withought being taught.There is too much to screw up and a LIGHTNING is not a practice vechicle.You might even end up having to fabricate shims.Be prepared for the fun.this kind of fun never ends.

 

My understanding was that the fabricating of shimms is needed for the non FMS gears. Is that right? Thanks for the help.
Brian

 

Actually, You Are less likely to need different shims with the FMS gears compared to other aftermarket gear sets. Having had my FMS 4.10s in and out and 3.55s put in, the Ford Tech STILL had to use shims of different thicknesses other then what was in there.
I agree with lightninquick. The hassle isn't worth it. I get mine changed for $150.00 Shop around.

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PSP Modified
12.77 @ 105.87 mph
So-Far!!

 

Brian,

I would go for it You have about a 95% chance of not needing shims for the FMS gears.

First, take gear marking compound and put it on the 355's to see what a proper pattern it is supposed to look like. Then, start gear swap. Check pattern on 4.10's and if it looks the same and backlash is the same, give her a road test and listen for a hum.

I have a video that shows and gives a setup of gears and which way to go if your pattern is off. I could make you a copy if you want. I also have some side carrier shims and I think 1 or 2 pinion shims left. All can be yours for the low, low price of a ride in that bad-*** Cobra R!!

 

I gotta go,I gotta go buy 1000 shares in "collars" seems like after this install, gear companies stocks are gonna go up in price

 

Keep in mind you will need a press to put bearings on the new pinion. I have a friend that works at a Ford dealership do my gears. Before that I had several local so called "experts" give me a lot of grief with failed gears. I have seen some posts somewhere that said any 4.10 or lower gear will "whine".....bull. That gear is probably eating itself alive. I have a 4.56 in a 8.8 with 40,000 hard miles on it and it has always been dead quiet. (I think it is a FMS gear by the way)

Good Luck!!

Mike

[This message has been edited by ksmike (edited 01-07-2001).]

 

Ok guys thanks for the advice. I decided to chicken out and let an expert install the gears. This friend of mine like I mentioned above owns a driveline business where this is all they do, is willing to do the swap for $100.00 off the books. I just dropped the rear axle out of the truck, it really was no big deal only took about an hour and a half, by myself. I agree with Lightningquick, a Lightning isn't the vehicle to learn on. Now if it was a chevy it would be different. LOL
Thanks again Brian

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99 red lightning, bassani complete system #1610 of 4000
2001 arctic cat zr440 snopro on the way
2000 super duty v10
Arctic cat 400 4x4
Cobra "R" #131 of 300
Moderator
www.svtperformance.com
My vehicles http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293160925

 

I had 410's in mine for about a week. I had a ford dealership install mine.The gears whined for a week or so before i could get my truck back to them. The pinion gear threads had stripped,and the nut had come loose. It turned out to be for the best, I have raced a 99 z28 several times before the 410's and after.Before the 410's i could take him till 100-110 then he would start gaining.With the 410s i could barely take him till 50-60.The ford dealership installed 373's and it made a noticeable difference.I pull on the z a lot more than i did with the stock 355.


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