Randy's Ring & Pinion
A dealer of Yukon products, Randy's Ring & Pinion offers a wide variety of Yukon gearsets with ratios ranging from an economically friendly 2.73 to a valvetrain-murdering 7.33. The Yukon gears are designed to run quietly and last longer than other gearsets. Randy's also offers Yukon axles, which are replacements for the stock pieces but designed to last much longer. Also available are easy-to-order install kits to make swapping axles a breeze. Contact Randy's for applications and pricing.
Reider Racing
Reider Racing has a host of parts for the 8.8-inch rear, including its Precision Gear line of ring-and-pinion gears. With ratios ranging from 3.08 to 5.13, these ring-and-pinion sets offer more durability with reduced noise. Call Reider Racing for pricing and advice in choosing the right gearset for your Mustang.
Steeda Autosports
Steeda offers two interesting products for helping the 8.8 in your Mustang live behind that powerful pushrod or mod engine. For the '05-and-up Mustang, Steeda's adjustable upper third link kit is a great way to set the pinion angle of the 8.8 and keep wheelhop from occurring. Priced at $179.95, the kit uses a three-piece urethane bushing to eliminate wheelhop associated with the factory bushing. Its adjustability also allows you to set the pinion angle easily and effectively. For those of you with an 8.8 in your Fox-body, an easy way to strengthen the rear and add longevity is by picking up Steeda's five-lug conversion kit. The kit comes with slotted five-lug disc brake rotors for the front, and, more importantly, five-lug axles and accompanying drums out back. The kit will set you back $469.95.
Strange Engineering
Strange Engineering has long since been the leader in drivetrain components, and the company's 8.8 aluminum support covers and ring-and-pinion gears complement its bulletproof axles and other rearend components. The aluminum cover features two load bolts that provide main cap support, which reduces ring gear deflection, stabilizes gear backlash, and decreases the possibility of the cap breaking or distorting. The cover is also stylish with its aluminum finish, and retails for $148.50. Increase the longevity and power-producing potential of the 8.8 with a new ring-and-pinion gearset from Strange. With ratios ranging from 3.08 to 4.30, this is a great way to utilize all the power your engine is making, while adding strength to the rear. Prices for the ring-and-pinion sets range from $158 to $169, and when ordering the gears, don't forget to grab the correct installation kit. You can choose from either the basic installation kit or the master installation one. At $34 the basic kit includes pinion shims, a crush sleeve, a pinion seal, a pinion nut, carrier shims, ring gear bolts, and a cover gasket. The master install kit includes all of that in addition to Timken cups and cones for the pinion and carrier. The master kit runs $94.
While on the topic of kits, replacing the axles when you change the gears would be easy since the rear would be basically empty. The top-of-the-line axle kit from Strange is the Pro Race axle package. The package comes with two Pro Race axles, either 31- or 33-spline, set up for drum brakes. The package also comes with a C-clip eliminator kit and 11/42-inch wheel studs for $489.50, though upgrading to a package with 51/48-inch studs is available for $543.50. The S/S axle package contains the same items as the Pro Race package, except the S/S package features Strange's Street 31- or 33-spline axles. The S/S package with 11/42-inch studs runs $398.70, while the 51/48-inch stud version will set you back $452.70.
Strange also has the Super Strength limited-slip unit. The Super Strength is a one-piece unit that is preloaded heavier and has additional clutches when compared to the factory posi. The Super Strength also utilizes specially machined clutches and aircraft-quality steel side gears for durability. Contact Strange for info and pricing.