Want 3.73s + Warranty on 2000GT.......Help

[FordFanatic2000]

The dealership told me that if I were to put 3.73 gears in My 2000 GT (even Ford Motorsport Gears) they would Void the Drivetrain Warranty.
This really sucks because I really want gears.
CAN THEY DO THAT?????
I need help with this bad...

[97snakedriver]

The law is that unless the dealer can demostrate that the after market parts directly lead to the breakage, then the presence of after market parts does not void the warranty. But that doesn't mean they can't be dicks about it.

Of course if you have the install done at a speed shop and don't tell the dealer about it, then they will most likely never notice.

[Mark99gt]

You have to ask yourself if you want them bad enough. I called 3 dealers one day and asked them all if it would void the warranty. Two of them said any mod other then whats standard would void warranty and the last dealer which was a SVT dealer said it all depends on the service manage and the problem you are having with your car. He said if a dealer installs them then it wouldnt void warranty unless it was related to the gears. Then I asked him about speedo corrections, he mentioned the abbott and yep it "could" void your electrical warranty.

So with that said im waiting for my 373s and the abbott speed compensator to arrive any day now. I dont feel like paying double to let a dealer install em. Chances are they wont find out if you dont tell them. If they do find out chances are they wont bother you (as someone on this board once said) because they need to keep customers coming back with new purchases so maybe you can use that to your advantage..

[97snakedriver]

This issue comes up a lot. From experience, talking to people, and reading the law, it comes down to this: When you modify you are taking a risk. It all depends on not only the dealer, but the mechanic at the dealer, you end up with on how difficult they can be about modifications.

The law (federal which overides any state law) is exactly how I stated above. Check out SEMA's website. Unfortantly just because its the law, doesn't mean all parties envolved snap to attention to meet it. Just dig though the archives and read my experience with a particular insurance company/adjuster ( Interstate Insurance, Harbour Insurance Adjusters).

99% of the time gears or other such modifications make no difference in a warrantee question. The best policy is to know your dealer, and to both know your dealer's mechanics, and your speed shop.

Tip: Talk to the guys in the parts department. They will give you the real story, not the "line". Plus they always seem to know the best speed shops.

[FordFanatic2000]

I think FMS 3.73s ,an Abbott ,and
UPS NEXT DAY air sounds good.

Thanks very Much for the Help guys I really appreciate it.

Jonathan

[97snakedriver]

Good choice. I did the same. Just wanted to make sure you knew the worst case.