1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains

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Keep Your 1981 Ford Mustang in Top Shape with Quality Performance Drivetrains

Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Performance Drivetrain, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1981 Ford Mustang looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Performance Drive Shafts, Performance Posi Units and Components, and Performance Ring and Pinions. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrain at Advance Auto Parts is around $250.87, with a range that starts at $85.99 and goes up to $442.99. With 3 options in stock from 3 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like Drive Shaft Loop-Mustang, Lock Right Locker, and Performance Differential Ring and Pinion start at just $85.99 and offer a great balance of form and function.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Performance Drivetrain, don’t forget to check out other key components like Performance Distributors and Performance Ignition Products. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Ford Mustang in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains

Richmond Gear – MiniSpool (Part No.78-8831-1)

MiniSpool

from

$151.99
MiniSpool

Motive Gear – Differential Mini Spool (Part No.MS88-31)

Differential Mini Spool

from

$101.99


Product Features:
  • MINI SPOOL 8.8 FORD 31SPL
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Motive Gear – Differential Mini Spool (Part No.MS9-31)

Differential Mini Spool

from

$31.99


Product Features:
  • MINI SPOOL 8″ & 9″ 31 SPLN STL 090431
See More

Powertrax – Lock Right Locker (Part No.1820-LR)

Lock Right Locker

from

$442.99
The Powertrax Lock-Right ultra-strength alloy locker’s straight-line performance is equal to a solid spool, but automatically unlocks in turns. Best suited for extreme off-road to severe on-road use, Powertrax Lock Right lockers replace the spider gears in your open differential carrier using basic tools and without affecting your ring and pinion settings. The whole job can be done in your driveway in a couple of hours, pin included! Powertrax Grip-Lok, Lock-Right Lockers and No-Slip Traction Systems automatically provide 100% traction on-demand, under the toughest circumstances. The Powertrax Grip-Pro and Grip-LS performance limited slips offer smooth dependable torque transfer and traction for the best of both worlds!The Powertrax® Lock-Right Locker provides outstanding traction for off-road machines and race vehicles. Powertrax No-Slip Traction Systems deliver excellent performance to street-driven cars and trucks.
  • Powertrax® lockers range from the original, Lock-Right for serious straight-line performance, to the No-Slip traction system for street-able vehicles.
  • Powertrax® offers three levels of GRIP locking differentials, ranging from the clutch-type GRIP LS with a forged steel case, the gear-driven GRIP PRO and finally the GRIP LOK for extreme traction.
  • Powertrax® = Extreme Traction Systems!
  • See More

    Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.F9600)

    RngPnn

    from

    $185.99
    RngPnn

    Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.69-0179-1)

    RngPnn

    from

    $344.99
    RngPnn

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F888456)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $230.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 8.8 R/P 4.56 MGP
    See More

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F888390)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $262.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 8.8 R/P 3.90 MGP
    See More

    Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.69-0067-1)

    RngPnn

    from

    $360.99
    RngPnn

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F875456)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $209.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 7.5 R/P 4.56 MGP
    See More

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F890600)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $243.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 9.0 R/P 6.00 MGP
    See More

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F888355)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $229.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 8.8 R/P 3.55 MGP
    See More

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F890350)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $216.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 9.0 R/P 3.50 MGP
    See More

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F888410)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $230.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 8.8 R/P 4.10 MGP
    See More

    Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.69-0064-1)

    RngPnn

    from

    $333.99
    RngPnn

    Richmond Gear – RngPnn (Part No.49-0101-1)

    RngPnn

    from

    $333.99
    RngPnn

    Lakewood – Drive Shaft Loop-Mustang (Part No.18017)

    Drive Shaft Loop-Mustang

    from

    $85.99
    Features Zinc plated construction for durability. Includes all hardware and instructions.

    Product Features:
    • Easy Bolt-On Installation
    • Without Modifications
    • NHRA/IHRA Legal
    • Thick Zinc-Plated Steel
    • Compete W/Mounting Hardware
    • Includes Instructions
    See More

    Most Popular Performance Drive Shaft for 1981 Ford Mustangs

    Enhance your 1981 Ford Mustang with this popular Performance Drive Shaft we have in stock, for $85.99.

    Lakewood – Drive Shaft Loop-Mustang (Part No.18017)

    Drive Shaft Loop-Mustang

    from

    $85.99
    Features Zinc plated construction for durability. Includes all hardware and instructions.

    Product Features:
    • Easy Bolt-On Installation
    • Without Modifications
    • NHRA/IHRA Legal
    • Thick Zinc-Plated Steel
    • Compete W/Mounting Hardware
    • Includes Instructions
    See More

    Best-Selling 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Posi Units and Component

    Upgrade your Mustang with our best-selling Performance Posi Units and Component.

    Powertrax – Lock Right Locker (Part No.1820-LR)

    Lock Right Locker

    from

    $442.99
    The Powertrax Lock-Right ultra-strength alloy locker’s straight-line performance is equal to a solid spool, but automatically unlocks in turns. Best suited for extreme off-road to severe on-road use, Powertrax Lock Right lockers replace the spider gears in your open differential carrier using basic tools and without affecting your ring and pinion settings. The whole job can be done in your driveway in a couple of hours, pin included! Powertrax Grip-Lok, Lock-Right Lockers and No-Slip Traction Systems automatically provide 100% traction on-demand, under the toughest circumstances. The Powertrax Grip-Pro and Grip-LS performance limited slips offer smooth dependable torque transfer and traction for the best of both worlds!The Powertrax® Lock-Right Locker provides outstanding traction for off-road machines and race vehicles. Powertrax No-Slip Traction Systems deliver excellent performance to street-driven cars and trucks.Powertrax® lockers range from the original, Lock-Right for serious straight-line performance, to the No-Slip traction system for street-able vehicles.Powertrax® offers three levels of GRIP locking differentials, ranging from the clutch-type GRIP LS with a forged steel case, the gear-driven GRIP PRO and finally the GRIP LOK for extreme traction.Powertrax® = Extreme Traction Systems!
    See More

    Top-Quality Performance Ring and Pinions for 1981 Ford Mustangs

    Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Performance Ring and Pinion for Ford Mustangs and enjoy top-notch performance from $209.99.

    Motive Gear – Performance Differential Ring and Pinion (Part No.F875456)

    Performance Differential Ring and Pinion

    from

    $209.99


    Product Features:
    • FRD 10BLT 7.5 R/P 4.56 MGP
    See More

    FAQs for 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains

    What are the best-selling Performance Drivetrains for 1981 Ford Mustangs?

    Out of 3 Performance Drivetrains that fit 1981 Ford Mustangs, the following parts are the top sellers:

    What’s the price range for 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains?

    The prices of Performance Drivetrains for the 1981 Ford Mustang range from $85.99 up to $442.99 for the most premium parts.

    What is the average price of a Performance Drivetrain for a 1981 Ford Mustang?

    The average price for Performance Drivetrains for the 1981 Ford Mustang is $250.87. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Performance Drivetrain category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.

    Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Drivetrains for other Ford Mustang model years?

    Yes, we carry Performance Drivetrains for 46 model years of Ford Mustangs between 1964 and 2016. The following model years are the most popular for Performance Drivetrain purchases: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006.

    What are the cheapest Performance Drivetrains for my 1981 Ford Mustang?

    The cheapest 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains we carry are:

    Does Advance Auto Parts sell Performance Drivetrains for any other 1981 Ford models?

    What types of Performance Drivetrains do you sell for my 1981 Ford Mustang?

    As of 3/1/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Performance Drivetrains for a 1981 Ford Mustang:

    Can I get help with 1981 Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrain orders?

    Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Performance Drivetrains and more.

    What is your return policy for Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains?

    Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Mustang Performance Drivetrains and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.