Gearing Suggestions

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Dec 23, 2010 | 02:08 AM

.87-ford

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Gearing Suggestions

I have an 87 f-150 with the 4-speed bulldog in it i love this tranny but the downside is I'm turnin 2500 going 55 mph. my goal is to lower my rpm at this speed but keep my low gears for pullin and crawlin. I've heard about Brownie aux. trannys but they are a little rich for me. so my question is could i gear my running gears high like 273 or somethin crazy like that and put a dual transfer case in and use the low range of the front case when i need to pull a load? is it possible to shift from low range to high range on the fly with out grinding?

Dec 23, 2010 | 11:25 PM

85e150

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What size tires do you have, and what axle ratio do you have now? What engine?

You can't shift a transfer case while moving at speed.

Jan 2, 2011 | 12:11 PM

.87-ford

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I'm not sure on the gearing in my current axles i plan on running 35 12.50's after my one ton conversion. right now i have a 302 but in years to come i'm aiming for a 460 b ut like i said years... i said it before i love my low gears and don't wanna lose them when i try gaining a top end. i get about 8-10 mpg now and would like to improve slightly... is it possible to get comparable mileage out of a 460?

Jan 2, 2011 | 10:08 PM

85e150

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I'm planning to retire someday, but TODAY if you advise on your tire size, I can probably figure out your gearing.

8 to 10 with a 460 is possible. So is 4 to 5 if it's not geared right and you drive with your foot in the carb.

Jan 11, 2011 | 07:29 AM

jarod17

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From: Wendover, NV.

460, 32 inch tires and 3.55:1 axle ratio. I am consistently over 10 MPG. Before swapping throttle bodies which cost me my cruise control I was averaging 17 MPG at 55-60 MPH. And all the pulling power I need.