Rear axle ratio 1983 - 1993 Mustangs

USPECIAL

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Hi Everybody I am a brand new member. I am having a debate with several members on BAT as there is currently a very nice 1990 LX 5 spd being auctioned. I had a 1985 Mustang GT 5 spd with a 3.08 (axle code Z). The debate is that the standard ratio was 2.73 (axle code M) and that Z was a free option.

The discussion is crazy and some are stating that since the option was free the code change was not presented on the window sticker, only on the door jam tag. The only manual transmission 5.0 Fox body I have seen with an M code on the door jam was a Canadian car. All of the automatic 5.0s I see have M code.

So my question is; does anybody have a copy of a dealer order form that shows where to select the rear axle ration when ordering a Mustang in the late 80s early 90s.

I have scoured the internet and have found some interesting information on LMR and a few other sites but nothing concrete.

If one of you guys or girls has the exact / detailed information on this and or a copy of a dealer order form that was used to order a car for stock or for a customer directly from Ford I would love to see it.

Thanks, I really appreciate being a member!
 

Bdubbs

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I don't know how accurate a Marti report is. But here it show an optional axle ratio, which was 3:08's.

Screenshot_20190517-150526_zps2aldupvp.png


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Bdubbs

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Thank you - looks like this may have been a Florida Highway Patrol Car? Anyway, I see the code, how do you know the Z code was an option and not standard?
Yes it was a Florida highway patrol car. That's a good question. I'd almost guess it was standard on a ssp. But I don't know for sure.

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MG0h3

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I’d suspect standard was 2.73s. My buds 85 came with them.


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PaxtonShelby

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I always thought that at least for 1986-1993 5.0 cars (8.8” rear cars) the 2.73 was standard and the 3.08 was optional.

Are you talking about the gray LX 5.0 hatch with 9k miles that went for almost $25k? I feel like an idiot for selling the 3 foxes I have had over the years.
 

USPECIAL

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I always thought that at least for 1986-1993 5.0 cars (8.8” rear cars) the 2.73 was standard and the 3.08 was optional.

Are you talking about the gray LX 5.0 hatch with 9k miles that went for almost $25k? I feel like an idiot for selling the 3 foxes I have had over the years.
Yes I was blogging with a couple of guys about the optional ratio - I was confident 3.08 was standard with manual - I guess not. I just can't see Ford providing an optional ration and not publishing the actual numeric identification on the sticker - guess they had to change the speedo gear too. I like the woman in your profile picture - ha ha.
 

Mustang5L5

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I was confident 3.08 was standard with manual - I guess not.

M code 2.73 was standard on both Manual and Automatic.

With a 5-spd, you could optionally order the Z code 3.08 gears, and on the AOD cars you could get an optional 3.27 gear. I don't recall if this info was ever put on the window sticker. I think it just defaults to "traction-lok axle"

Of course, proof. I *think* i recall this being spelled out in a few brochures i have. I have all of the 79-93 brochures so if i remember i can look through them and see if i can see anything about gear ratios.
 
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M91196

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I ordered a brand new 87 GT and had to explain to the salesman I wanted the 3.08 ratio,he had to get help to find the order code.
It was free.
I ordered a 0 option radio delete no A/C car, paid 11,600.
The only reason I knew I wanted the 3.08 was the extensive reading and testing in all the car rags at the time.
I believe it was not on the window sticker as mentioned above, I seem to recall crawling under and looking at the aluminum tag on the diff cover bolt to confirm at the dealer.

I seem to have lost all the paperwork or gave it to the new owner when I sold it....

I think I had a 13.6 hero run, bone stock, power shifting all the way.

Got lucky and outlasted the brackets a couple times for a $5 trophy.

Bottle was for the street, I think it got me into the 12.9 with the Mickey Thompson DOT diggers we ran back then
597557373e04edf2cc7daed7b35b62cd.jpg
 

Mustang5L5

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Found this in the 1987 brochure.



EDIT: Except it's wrong! Optional gear for the AOD should be 3.27. I suspect there's a few typos here as the header states "mustang powerTEAMS" which I assume should say powertrain
 

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