Now that I've had the truck for a few days I'm getting used to driving it, what is a safe RPM range for this thing. It seems to shift just right at about 2500-2600 RPMs , although I have taken it higher. I just don't want to blow it. I have also learned that pulling out in first is not a brilliant idea, the ZF5s first gear is like granny gear, I've been using second. I'm used to driving a Wrangler TJ and shifting it with my foot essentially, but with this truck I've noticed it drives a lot smoother if I don't let out on the throttle in between gears, is this normal? Thanks in advance
-Caleb

 

25-2600 rpm is fine. Lots of guys pull at 3k without issues. As for the shifting it sounds to me like you need to adjust the idle validation switch. With the truck off press the go pedal. You should hear a click almost instantly. If you have to press the pedal a way before it clicks then it needs adjusting. It's as simple as bending a tab

 

What year truck? What diff ratio? You're lugging the engine launching in second, with either ratio range tranny. Maybe totally unloaded, with 4.10s and the wider range ('96?-'97) tranny, you're better off launching in second. But any other combo / situation, you're better off launching in first. As to the idle, these engines do "crash" down to idle speed quickly when you let off the go-pedal, which can make shifting abrupt. It could also be "dead pedal" as described above. Test - sitting in the driveway, neutral, slowly push the go-pedal. If the engine stays at idle through the first part of the travel, then revs up quick when it goes off idle, that indeed suggests an adjustment to the idle switch tab.

 

Yea the truck is a 1996 F250 XLT Standard Cab Long Bed, RWD. ZF5. No idea what gear ration it is, but I promise you that pulling out in 1st is not an option, and in second, it's not bogging, it pulls out fine.

 

I use granny aka 1st unless im facing down a hill, too much clutch riding and lugging IMO


take your VIN to VIN Decoder - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums and maybe you can learn what it came from stock.

 

First isn't a granny gear, unless you have a zf6. If you do, that doesn't really apply here.
Only time I take off in second is a rolling start.
220k miles. Far as I know, stock clutch.
I've seen other people do as you do and start out in second all the time. Wanna know how many clutch failures they had? Especially with the DMF.

 

VIN won't indicate diff ratio. Axle code on the door jamb sticker will.

C9 = 3.55 limited slip
39 = 3.55 open
C5 = 4.10 limited slip
35 = 4.10 open

So from your description, you're probably running a 4.10, and the '96 has the wider range ZF-S5-47 IIRC. Still, I wouldn't worry about "blowing it". The C&C trucks run even crankier (4.56, etc) gears.

 

Okay, I've taken your advice and started using first. It's a pain, but I do it. It just hits the 2500 mark extremely quick. I don't want to be replacing a clutch anytime soon, so I guess I'll be using first from now on, but I did install my S&B intake tonight, and it really makes the truck come alive, it's like a completely different animal.

 

I wouldn't worry about 2500 rpms. I run about that or higher just going down the highway. Lol