5.4 is a screamer!!!

ugh wrote:
I took delivery of a new 26 ft camper that weights just under 6,000 pounds. GVWR is 7,650, but it is empty right now. I live in Texas which has a lot of rolling hills. It rarely goes into over drive, so it stay sin 3rd gear and every time I hit a hill, it downs shifts to 2nd gear. Boy that motor can scream!


My truck has the 3.7? ratio. I remember someone mentioned that don't spend the money for 4.10, go straight to 4.30 for better performance. If I do that, will it stay in OD longer? I got 8 MPG, but I was expecting better MPG. If I go for 4.30 will it get better MPG for not down shifting a lot?


2001 F250 5.4 Crew Cab RWD.

NO.

No to better mileage

NO to less downshifting.

NO to more power.

Changing the ratio on THAT YEAR of 5.4 is WASTING YOUR MONEY.

That is a 2 valve 5.4, you only have at the best 265 HP in a 6500 lb- 7500 lb empty truck.. Then adding an additional 6K-8K lbs of trailer you are OVER THE TOP TOO MUCH WEIGHT for that engine. The 4.30 axle is not going to make much of a change and would not be worth the money.

I have a 2003 F250 with the 2V 5.4 with 3.73 axle. I HAVE towed as much as 8K lbs with it. It will work hard at getting it going but it gets the job done (not as good as my 06 with 3V 5.4 or my 2013 6.2).

YOU need to be a bit more patient and not drive it like you are on a drag strip..

As far as mileage, that is right on par.. If you lighten up on the go pedal and let the engine/transmission do its job you should expect 8 MPG - 9ish MPG towing..

Heck my 2013 with 6.2 towing 7K lbs gets me 9.1-10.1 MPG..