Limited Slip Differential and Gears
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Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
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Limited Slip Differential and Gears
I have a 2011 V6 with the standard 2.73 gears. I want to upgrade the gears and debating between the 3.55 or 3.73 gears. Any thoughts or recommendations to which works the best for the V6 newer models? Can anyone advise if the 2011 V6 came standard with a limited slip differential or not. I hope it came standard because I really don't want to spend the money on a ford racing limited slip differential if I don't need it.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 26, 2004
Posts: 724
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From: Arlington, TX
The V6 models come with limited slip. Have a Ford dealer install 3.55 gears and then they can flash your computer for 3.55 gears, keeping your speedo accurate, plus retain the warranty.
If you want to go outside a dealer, you will probably need to get a Tuner and change the gear ratio there.
If you want to go outside a dealer, you will probably need to get a Tuner and change the gear ratio there.
Thread Starter
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
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Originally Posted by kn7671
The V6 models come with limited slip. Have a Ford dealer install 3.55 gears and then they can flash your computer for 3.55 gears, keeping your speedo accurate, plus retain the warranty.
If you want to go outside a dealer, you will probably need to get a Tuner and change the gear ratio there.
If you want to go outside a dealer, you will probably need to get a Tuner and change the gear ratio there.
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From: State of Jefferson Mountains USA
legacy Tms Member MEMORIAL Rest In Peace 10/06/2021
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From: Clinton Tennessee
I had my dealer install my Ford Racing 3.73 gears. 60 m.p.h. is right at 2,000 r.p.m. Cost more but i don't trust the small repair shops in my area 
V6 Member
Joined: March 7, 2011
Posts: 91
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From: Ohio
I drove my 2012 V6 convertible for a year with the OEM 2.73 rear end...
Last month I took the plunge and upgraded to 3.73 and it has transformed my car. The whole gear range is much more usable and the vehicle feels so much more responsive. Some have used the term "poor man's turbo" to try and describe the different feeling you get when making this change. Since the cost is virtually the same as to whatever ratio you go to, I suggest going right to 3.73 and don't look back!
I did a ton of research as to locating the right shop. For me, I didn't really trust dealers as I feel they do very little of this work. Most dealer techs probably never work on a new Ford differential as they are so reliable. And I found the cost that most dealers want is out of line also. Just didn't feel that they have a whole of experience in swapping out rear gears. Maybe an exception would be if a specific dealer catered to a lot of speed freaks etc...
Fortunate that I live within reach of Metro Detroit and a ton of shops - a couple of guys in my Mustang club steered me to a local speed shop that has extensive experience not only on Mustangs, but on replacing and working with the Ford 8.8 rear ends. This is critical - they took the time to explain to me the special bearings and seals etc that are required.
As to cost - I paid $650.00 out the door, which included FRPP ring and pinion, all the other parts needed + the Royal Purple rear-gear oil. Broken down it puts the labor figure at about $400.00. The bonus was they let me stay in the shop the whole time and watch and ask questions; it took them 4 hours to do it. A super job and no noise at all. I am extremely satisfied with the overall results. the car is so much more fun to drive and shift that I then installed an MGW shifter as the icing on the cake!
PS I already had an SCT tuner so I just asked Bama to adjust for the new gears and they sent me new tunes. We installed the updated tune at the shop as I left.
PPS I researched this for dang near a year, please feel free to PM if addtional info is needed...
Last month I took the plunge and upgraded to 3.73 and it has transformed my car. The whole gear range is much more usable and the vehicle feels so much more responsive. Some have used the term "poor man's turbo" to try and describe the different feeling you get when making this change. Since the cost is virtually the same as to whatever ratio you go to, I suggest going right to 3.73 and don't look back!
I did a ton of research as to locating the right shop. For me, I didn't really trust dealers as I feel they do very little of this work. Most dealer techs probably never work on a new Ford differential as they are so reliable. And I found the cost that most dealers want is out of line also. Just didn't feel that they have a whole of experience in swapping out rear gears. Maybe an exception would be if a specific dealer catered to a lot of speed freaks etc...
Fortunate that I live within reach of Metro Detroit and a ton of shops - a couple of guys in my Mustang club steered me to a local speed shop that has extensive experience not only on Mustangs, but on replacing and working with the Ford 8.8 rear ends. This is critical - they took the time to explain to me the special bearings and seals etc that are required.
As to cost - I paid $650.00 out the door, which included FRPP ring and pinion, all the other parts needed + the Royal Purple rear-gear oil. Broken down it puts the labor figure at about $400.00. The bonus was they let me stay in the shop the whole time and watch and ask questions; it took them 4 hours to do it. A super job and no noise at all. I am extremely satisfied with the overall results. the car is so much more fun to drive and shift that I then installed an MGW shifter as the icing on the cake!
PS I already had an SCT tuner so I just asked Bama to adjust for the new gears and they sent me new tunes. We installed the updated tune at the shop as I left.
PPS I researched this for dang near a year, please feel free to PM if addtional info is needed...
Thread Starter
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Storm75
I drove my 2012 V6 convertible for a year with the OEM 2.73 rear end...
Last month I took the plunge and upgraded to 3.73 and it has transformed my car. The whole gear range is much more usable and the vehicle feels so much more responsive. Some have used the term "poor man's turbo" to try and describe the different feeling you get when making this change. Since the cost is virtually the same as to whatever ratio you go to, I suggest going right to 3.73 and don't look back!
I did a ton of research as to locating the right shop. For me, I didn't really trust dealers as I feel they do very little of this work. Most dealer techs probably never work on a new Ford differential as they are so reliable. And I found the cost that most dealers want is out of line also. Just didn't feel that they have a whole of experience in swapping out rear gears. Maybe an exception would be if a specific dealer catered to a lot of speed freaks etc...
Fortunate that I live within reach of Metro Detroit and a ton of shops - a couple of guys in my Mustang club steered me to a local speed shop that has extensive experience not only on Mustangs, but on replacing and working with the Ford 8.8 rear ends. This is critical - they took the time to explain to me the special bearings and seals etc that are required.
As to cost - I paid $650.00 out the door, which included FRPP ring and pinion, all the other parts needed + the Royal Purple rear-gear oil. Broken down it puts the labor figure at about $400.00. The bonus was they let me stay in the shop the whole time and watch and ask questions; it took them 4 hours to do it. A super job and no noise at all. I am extremely satisfied with the overall results. the car is so much more fun to drive and shift that I then installed an MGW shifter as the icing on the cake!
PS I already had an SCT tuner so I just asked Bama to adjust for the new gears and they sent me new tunes. We installed the updated tune at the shop as I left.
PPS I researched this for dang near a year, please feel free to PM if addtional info is needed...
Last month I took the plunge and upgraded to 3.73 and it has transformed my car. The whole gear range is much more usable and the vehicle feels so much more responsive. Some have used the term "poor man's turbo" to try and describe the different feeling you get when making this change. Since the cost is virtually the same as to whatever ratio you go to, I suggest going right to 3.73 and don't look back!
I did a ton of research as to locating the right shop. For me, I didn't really trust dealers as I feel they do very little of this work. Most dealer techs probably never work on a new Ford differential as they are so reliable. And I found the cost that most dealers want is out of line also. Just didn't feel that they have a whole of experience in swapping out rear gears. Maybe an exception would be if a specific dealer catered to a lot of speed freaks etc...
Fortunate that I live within reach of Metro Detroit and a ton of shops - a couple of guys in my Mustang club steered me to a local speed shop that has extensive experience not only on Mustangs, but on replacing and working with the Ford 8.8 rear ends. This is critical - they took the time to explain to me the special bearings and seals etc that are required.
As to cost - I paid $650.00 out the door, which included FRPP ring and pinion, all the other parts needed + the Royal Purple rear-gear oil. Broken down it puts the labor figure at about $400.00. The bonus was they let me stay in the shop the whole time and watch and ask questions; it took them 4 hours to do it. A super job and no noise at all. I am extremely satisfied with the overall results. the car is so much more fun to drive and shift that I then installed an MGW shifter as the icing on the cake!
PS I already had an SCT tuner so I just asked Bama to adjust for the new gears and they sent me new tunes. We installed the updated tune at the shop as I left.
PPS I researched this for dang near a year, please feel free to PM if addtional info is needed...
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