rear end gear ratio

I just recently picked up an 88 gt 5 speed stang. I lifted it on the lift the other night to get the #`s off the rear end and it seems that it has a 2.73 gear set with a posi. Did ford put such a gear setup in a 88 gt? I figured it would at least be in the 3`s. Here`s what i got for #`s off the tag. 2sl73a887m1.

My '87 LX 5.0 did indeed come with 2.73's. The optional gears were, I believe, 3.18's.

Yes, 2.73's are common. The only other option for gears would be 3.08's or 3.27's. Just and FYI, Ford never installed Posi in any of thier cars. They use what's called a Limited Slip differential or Trac-Lok, and it was used in all 8.8 rears in Mustangs that had V8's.


Break down of your axle code,
2sl73a887m1;
2 73=gear ratio
sl=Trac-lok
88=rearend size
a 7m1=build date and location. If I'm reading it right, looks like March 1st 1987. Could be wrong on the exact date though.

Could be wrong on the exact date though.
Just face it, you're always wrong. Just kidding.

All Hail HiFlow5 0, the Mustang Encyclopedia from New England!

you`re absolutely right. I flipped through the factory service manual and found a chart listing all the axle codes. I appreciate the info. Nice to know that there`s a place where my questions are answered by knowledgeable people. I`m sure i`ll have more in the near future once the weather gives.

Just remember if you use a Chevy term again, like "posi". You have to answer to the Great Yugo Gods in the sky :naughty:

Good luck on your 88 GT :smile:

LOL @ Chevy ..... Cracked Head Every Valve Rattles Oil Leaks Every Time