I have been researching this on here and i dont really get the answers that I want. I have a stock 10 bolt (no funds to go to a 12 bolt, so dont suggest it ). I want a great gear that is also very durable in the stock housing.

Right now i have 2.73's and they gotta go. I hate em. I know 3.73's are gonna give me better performance, but have heard that 3.42s are much more durable. Is the performance going to be that big of a difference between the two? Are the 3.73's THAT prone to breaking compared to 3.42's?

Thanks all, clear me up on the issue. Been wanting to do gears for awhile... just never gotten the answers i have been looking for.

 

3.42s with a 3000 stall seem to be a hot item for A4 cars. The difference between 3.42s and 3.73s will be minimal. I'd do the 3.42s.

 

yeah, that is what i have been hearing... i have a 2800 stall vig, so that should be a nice combo.

 

I have 3.73's with a 3000 stall, drives great

 

If you have a need for the 3.73 for drag racing to get the proper rpm at the finish line then there would be a reason to get them. The 3.42 is a more substantial gear and would be less prone to breaking. I would bet you could not feel the diiference in side by side testing. My mileage when changing from a 2.73 to a 3.73 was at most .3 or so lower per gallon so the difference between the 3.42 and the 3.73 would be negligible. All in all there are several small pluses for the 3.42. A higher stall (2600-3200) converter will make much more difference.

 

thanks all, guess i will just go with 3.42's, i dont go to the track more than twice a summer, and id rather have it be more reliable since i do drive it all summer long everyday.

 

sup dude,

I was in the same boat as you. I actually had 3.73s and stepped down to a 3.42 for driveability purposes. I know your hearing that 3.42s are more durable then 3.73s but nobody is really giving you a reason why. The REASON 3.42 is more durable than a 3.73 has to do with the actual gear ratio between the ring gear and pinion. your getting thicker teeth with a respectable pinion size on the 3.42 over the 3.73.

Hope that helps bud. Hope things are well, haven't talked with ya in awhile.

Good luck

 

I have 4.10's with a 3500 stall. drives well.

 

I've been running this gear for about 2 years and have beat on them somewhat. Daily driven and track driven. No issues.

 

I've been thinking of moving up from a 2.73 to a 3.23 in my TA. I know ppl are gonna tell me it's not worth the hassle, but if that was the case why does everyone complain so much about 2.73's is they are just as good as 3.23's?

 

Dont fear the gear.

 

Good to hear! Ive made up my mind... thanks all!

 

3 years on 3:73's and have run dr's

 

im going to put 3.73s on along with a built 3000 stalled th350 3spd. going to eat my gas but if i wanted to save on gas and go slow i wouldve bought a honda

 

One thing to remember going 2.73 to 3.73 is your highway driving takes A LOT of getting used to. Put your 2.73 geared automatic in 3rd gear and try driving on the highway for an hour. Your final drive ratio is 2.73. With the 3.73 in O/D, your final drive ratio is 2.61. Very close. I really liked the 3.42 gears.

Personally I think you have the best of both worlds right now. The Vigilante gives you all the power you want while retaining the tall cruising gears of the 2.73