350 or 325 rear end gears in a 8in w/ 302?

There are other considerations, such as matching the cam to the cruise speed for best mileage, but if looking past that I'd say 3.40:1. The standard ratios for a Ford 8" in that range are 3.25, 3.40 and 3.55:1. Split the difference and go for the 3.40 unless you are willing or wanting to do more specific calculating. Likely you can find a good factory 3.40 3rd member for cheap if you look around. If you find a bargain in a similar ratio just try it and decide from there. A set of 3.80's and 5-speed would be a great combo...

David

You cannot go wrong with a set of 4.30's! Problem is you have to make alot of stops for gas. But, it'd be alot of smiles per mile!!

Extra fuel tank in trunk will let you smile longer between fuel stops .L.O.L.

Originally Posted by FlyByFord

Really??? RPM Gauge??? Used twice in this post, wow!!!

My suggestion, fix your Tach (aka Tachometer or RPM Gauge) before the gear swap, then go with the 3.50 and some sort of limited slip differential.

To her, and often to myself, an RPM GAUGE is a GAUGE that shows you the RPM that our engines are Running.

Why should you have a problem with the term RPM Gauge?? RPM (revolutions per minute), and the Term GAUGE, (–verb (used with object. To determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.) Or their relationship with the descriptive way that she used them?

I really don't under stand the angst here... a Tachometer (any of various instruments for measuring or indicating velocity or speed, as of a machine, a river, or the blood, or of an engine.)