Ford Mustang GT Rearend Upgrade - Booty Overhaul

Horse Sense: The Zexel Torsen T-2R gear-drive differential is the heart of our 3g GT's rear axle upgrades. The T-2R unit, while offering full-time limited-slip capability, also offers constant torque-bias sensing and stability via an all-gear-driven differential. The T-2R does not use any friction material, clutch plates, or clutch cones to accomplish this, but instead it uses parallel-axis gears-a worm gear, if you will-that perform differential and torque-splitting functions. No friction material means there are no clutches to wear out, and no friction modifier is required in the gear oil.

For those just tuning in, our '01 3g GT Mustang project is all about forces- g-forces to be exact. Our mission is to achieve 1g of cornering, 1g of braking, and 1g of acceleration using bolt-on parts. So far, we've updated our screaming Zinc Yellow banana with an ATI ProCharger P-1SC supercharger, a Steeda suspension (including the company's five-link rear setup), Steeda 13-inch front brakes, and a Cervini's Cobra R body kit (hey, it has to look the part too). We've also spruced up the inside with Ford Racing Performance Parts leather seats, NR Auto Accessories electroluminescent gauges, MGW billet hardware, and a Year One brushed-aluminum dash kit.

Thus far, the performance parts we've installed have given the 3g GT a whole new feeling, turning a decent stock Mustang GT into a performance machine anyone would love to have. But we're just getting started. Later in 2003 (it's only September 2002 as this is written), we'll begin a Phase Two scenario with our project Mustang. Look for even bigger brakes, more engine enhancements, more handling improvements, custom paint with graphics, and much more. With the addition of Phase Two, the 3g GT will undoubtedly be able to post the g-force numbers we're seeking.

Up to this point, the rearend-one of the most important areas of the drivetrain-hadn't been upgraded to handle the current power of this Mustang, let alone what we plan to throw at it in the future. While the 3g was busy being hustled from show to show during 2002, we had just enough time to get its rearend built up by LaMotta Performance, with the proper goodies from Reider Racing, before heading to the NMRA World Finals in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

After discussing the project with Tom Reider, we agreed that a Zexel Torsen T-2R differential with Precision Gear 3.73 gears wrapped around it would be the best answer for cornering and straight-line acceleration. To complete the upgrades, Tom suggested Moser Engineering custom alloy axles since the Torsen is a 31-spline case. We also contacted Kenny Holcomb at Holcomb Motorsports for an FRPP aluminum driveshaft because if you've ever driven a Mustang with one of these bad boys under it, you know every Mustang should have one. Finally, we cracked open a fresh case of Red Line synthetic gear oil to lubricate the 3g's new parts.

The installation wasn't complicated, but there were a few extra steps due to the Steeda five-link suspension mounting points. As we've said before, we don't expect you to perform your own gear swaps, but we want to show the progress our project car is making. Come out and see the 3g at driving, racing, and show events in 2003.