5.4 is a screamer!!!

smkettner wrote:
I will go against some of these posts that say changing gears is a waste.

My 2001 5.4 happens to be in a lighter F150 and here is my story...
I had 3.55 gears and it ran just as the OP said with virtually no OD and would downshift to second at the smallest rise or overpass. Going up hills is fine to downshift but every 50 yard 3% grade was obnoxious. Bring on the 4.10 gears and it made a world of difference for me. Now I set the cruise at 55 to 65 with almost no downshift unless an actual hill is encountered. With 3.55 I was constantly trying to feather the throttle to either gain speed or avoid a downshift on some little rise coming up.

With the OP's truck even heavier (1000 lbs?) I could easily recommend 4.30 or 4.56 gear to really improve the towing and drivability. The 2001 gives peak torque at 350 lb/ft and 2500 rpm. But you can't run 2500 rpm or the computer will downshift in a heartbeat. I have found it far better to run 2800 to 3000 rpm. At this engine speed the computer allows near full throttle and to lose some speed before the downshift. Have run mine at 3200 10 hours a day a few times.

Well worth the gear change and I did both axles. Even with 4.30 you may not be in OD much or at all. Climbing hills is still second gear with about 3500 rpm. You should be able to get new gears (parts and labor) for about $1,000.

8 MPG is about normal. I stopped keeping track. I have a 25 gallon tank and range can be an issue but I am usually ready for a short break after three hours of driving so I have come to accept it. Just take heed when the sign says next gas 100+ miles.

I would have to agree that changing gears would make towing better. While not a Ford I changed gears in my Dodge with a 360ci went to 4.10 gears. It might not have paid out to do so but made towing more pleasant. It sstopped transmission from downshifting to 2nd at overpasses that drove me crazy.

I would spend the money for 4.30 gears in a heartbeat.