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Rear bushings and gear ratios

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lscya View Drop Down
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Joined: 23-August-2014
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    Posted: 11-October-2014 at 9:38PM
Need some advice.  Rear control bushings are shot and will need to be replaced.  On takeoff now the rear moves to the left and once the car shifts it moves to the right.  Not as much fun as it might sound.  My neighbor (who is a Ford training tech) is telling me I should replace the gears while I am at it, from the factory 2.50 to a 3.0 or better.  Any thoughts?

It's a 78 LTD II with the 400 2V, has the FMX transmission.

Thanks!
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aquartlow View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote aquartlow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-October-2014 at 2:10AM
Depending on what your driving duties are(mostly local roads or highway/interstate driving) along with tire size, will dictate what ratio will suit your needs best. That said a lower gearset (going from 2.50's to 3.0 or 3.25's) will generally make it seem like the engine gained HP and torque(the bigger the difference in gears chosen, the bigger the grin on acceleration), making it much more enjoyable to drive, unless you go too low and the gas mileage suffers significantly. A 3.00 to 3.25 are good "all around" rear gear ratios for a Ford/Mercury intermediate w/3 speed auto. Definitely replace those bushings before damage occurs to the upper/lower control arms or the mounting locations. Good luck. Todd 
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