Gear ratio with AOD

[Ford Blue blood]

I think the 8.8 is a great rear end!  Ford uses them behind the Shelby GT500, Shelby uses then behind their 1000K HP cars and they have a wide range of gears available off the shelf.  Many early Rangers had 8.8 with drum brakes, the Explorer is probably the most widely available and supported rear available, more so then the 9" with off the shelf parts.  The 95 - 01 Explorer is 59.5" wide flange to flange, the 57 - 59 is 57.25.

Now having said that, my F-150 has a T-lock 3.73 rear, six speed auto.  Running 75 it tachs out at just a touch over 2100 RPM.  My Mustang has a 3.73 T-lock, six speed manual.  Running 75 it tachs out at 2250 RPM.  Both vehicles give 19 - 20 MPG running 75, the Mustang is a solid 20 while the truck is between depending upon head winds going through central IL.  IMHO a 3.56, 3.73, or perhaps a 3.89 is the perfect gear for a street application.  Decent performance on the low end, good drivability, and better cruising for the long haul.

[hiball3985]

I'm still old school but the principal is the same. I run a T85 with OD and 3.70 gears, perfect for the local hills I live in and great on the hiway. I only get 18 mpg with the Y block, but I don't care 

[canadian_ranchero]

i had a 86 tbird 302 aod and 2.73 gears.i found under light throttle it would go into o/d at about 48 mph at about 11-1200 rpm.the car would not pull it self out of a wet paper bag when it went into o/d

[Wirenut]

Looks like I need to pony up some cash either way. Thanks to each of you!!