g4sbrg
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Re: rear end ratio
so you want to know. 2000 F150, 5.4 L V8 (this is a 2 valve) 373 rear end it is rated for 8800 towing and has greatly expanded payload, tranny cooling and oil cooling tow package. I think the auto tranny is 3 speed with OD motoring down the interstate at 65 it runs about 2800 to 3200 rpm (no OD) pulling that 8000 pound brick, (6900 dry plus cargo) getting up the hills she may downshift and 4000 rpm, not really an issue so much (haven't been to any mountains) getting into the two lane roads curvy and hilly I find myself progressing upwards at 40 to 45 mph at 5000 rpm. just seems to me I should not worry about mpg and change the ratio to getter up those hills with less stress. (maybe it just me, first large trailer you know, have gotten the advice before to find the sweet spot on the rpm and let sit there weather its 3200 or 5000) I would hate to get to some real elevations and need more torque which changing the ratio does ??? Thanks590Views0likes0CommentsRe: Braking concerns
well the plot thickens, and maybe I am just a idiot, driving to work today (no trailer) I notice my light on the control flickering, that was odd, so when I got to work I was looking at the control and found a secondary adjustment that may have been out of whack. I only thought there was one adjustment the initial engagement signal, this second lever look like a rheostat type of thing I would bet it is the max voltage (or amps ??), in any case I may just be better off putting in a new control to ease my mind and narrow the things it could be. I mean what 100 to 150 bucks is nothing compared to the dent in the car in front of you. its an old controller that was in the truck on top of that. and that way I get a instruction sheet thanks for the advice and comments will let you know439Views0likes0CommentsRe: Braking concerns
OK thanks, I seem to have an issue, I don't think they will lock up. with the electric adjuster set rather high (the initial voltage) the trailer does slow down the truck when using the trailer brakes manually but takes forever to stop the rig driving always hoping the light stays green !!. I guess I either have a control or magnet issue. there's a trailer shop right by work I guess they would be able to test the control set up. Thanks yall441Views0likes0CommentsRe: 5.4 is a screamer!!!
well I just asked this same ?? of my 5.4L 2000 f150 with the 373 rear end. I will say this yall have a very spirited conversation going. but there is some good advice. I have been worried about the 4000 to 4500 rpm going up some hills near the camp grounds. sounds to me I just need to let it roar. seems ok out on the open hwy never seems to need more then 3500 at speed. ( OD OFF ) Thanks yall675Views0likes0CommentsBraking concerns
part of towing is being able to stop. not an expert by any means so need to ask. how far should it take me and my 8000 # brick in tow to stop ?? , I did inspect and adjust my brakes on the trailer, I know there engaging and working, but at what % efficiency I don't know, what do you do, get up to speed a slam on the brakes, should they all lock up ???? Comments welcome, thanks in advance.2.5KViews0likes11Commentsrear end ratio
OK so I feel I am stressing the truck to much in hilly conditions pulling my 5th wheel camper, seems fine out on open road but needs help near the lakes and camp grounds going up those sometimes large hills, currently planning on changing from the 373 rear end to a 456 one would think I would loose a lot of mpg but in reality in general wont I be lowering the needed rpm and reducing the extreme rpm needed to go upwards, thus it will be a wash while towing, and at this point is it not more about performance towing. the truck is a tow truck for me not transportation to and from work or every day driving. 2000 f150, 5.4L 373 rear end your comments would be appreciated6.1KViews0likes32CommentsRe: Is this normal?
well I must admit, being a 1st timer I did notice the "bucking" on my first trip as well and my set doesn't sound near as nice as yalls, only in a hard shifts tying to accelerate, was my intentions was to try manual down shift if I need the acceleration ??? any comment ! I think this was good advice. Ever consider backing off the throttle? Drive like there is an egg on the throttle and another on the brake pedal. Don't break either egg unless an emergency. thanks329Views0likes0CommentsRe: brake maint ??
makes sense, thanks. hope not to have to jack it up much on a trip. I did figure out pretty quick (on my first trip) it was a lot easier to jack the back end of the truck to change a tire by putting the landing gear down and raise the 5ver up a take some weight off the truck. yall have safe travels321Views0likes0CommentsRe: brake maint ??
didn't mean to start an argument over jacking, the instructions did say use frame (didn't say why) but all I had was a floor jack so I had to gently jack as close to the tire as possible on the axle, I am planning on getting a bottle jack, and a stack of good wood to reach the frame. ??? why is it not to jack on the axle, side load on the other side, possible bend of the axle ??? I camp on an extreme budget so ""I will be"" ""my self"" adjusting brakes for the foreseeable future !! thanks again321Views0likes0Comments
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