like to improve the acceleration while not sacrificing top speed or too much
Ah, you want the best of both worlds. If you ever figure out your desire, you will be rich.
The lower gears (higher numerically) will improve acceleration. The higher gears (lower numerically) will improve top speed.
As for anyone reading this thread who knows your rear gear, good luck. You can always remove the pan and count the gears. The old fashioned was is jacking up the rear and put a chalk mark on the drive shaft and on a tire and see how many turns the wheel goes for each full turn of the drive shaft. It should turn between 3 to 4 times for each drive shaft rotation.,..it is just how much past 3---1/4, 1/3, 1/2...etc...
Do you have the build sheet? Also, on some rear axles...passenger side tube facing front, there should be a marking as to what the ratio is. I have never found mine, but they are supposed to be there.
i also have a 76 caprice with 3:08 rear end and im wondering if putting 3:73's would improve the acceleration/top speed? thanks.
The 3.08 (higher gear) will be better for top speed. The 3.73 (lower gear) is better for acceleration. Putting the 3.73 in the caprice will not improve top speed...just use more gas at higher speeds-more rpms. It will improve acceleration from a stop. It is a lower gear.
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