Top Speed?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: College Grove, TN
Top Speed?
I've had my 1966 F100 for about a month now. The top speed I've seen is around 60-65 MPH. I'm not looking to race the thing, but I want to make sure that is normal and nothing is wrong with the truck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 9
From: Thornton, Colorado
My 66 has a 240 6 cylinder, and a 3 speed. I have had it up to 70, but it sounded like it was going to explode, and was as controllable as herding cats.
The steering should be better this month because I have totally rebuilt the steering from steering wheel to wheels. This should make it better to steer.
The steering should be better this month because I have totally rebuilt the steering from steering wheel to wheels. This should make it better to steer.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: East SF Bay Area
I took mine up to 100 mph when I firt bought it. (352FE w/3.25:1) It'll still go there, but I keep it between 55-65 on the freeway. I like the smiles & waves from people passing me.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Or
i've maxed out at (if i remember right) 60-65 in my truck.
it sounded like it was screaming too, it has:
*352 2bb
*New Process 435 4 Speed Manual Transmission.
*Dana 60.2 Rear Axle / 3.54-1 / Limited Slip / 3,300 lb. Rear Axle Capacity.
does that sound about what i should be doing ?
it sounded like it was screaming too, it has:
*352 2bb
*New Process 435 4 Speed Manual Transmission.
*Dana 60.2 Rear Axle / 3.54-1 / Limited Slip / 3,300 lb. Rear Axle Capacity.
does that sound about what i should be doing ?
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: College Grove, TN
Sounds like most of you have modified your trucks to obtain the increased speed. My truck is all original. My neighbor told me a new rear end would pick the speed up significantly. But that sounds complicated, for my weekly run to the landfill 60MPH will do for now.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 825
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, Texas
Likely 60-70mph would have been a top end for these trucks, but like everything else, there usually is a compromise between speed and power.
Most folks bought these vehicles to use as a truck. No soccer moms were driving these around town or on the highway. If you were hauling or doing service work, you needed more on the low end, so you might not ever do much more than what is stated above, certainly not with a 6 banger.
If the truck's motor is running properly and you can only do 60 mph, then it is what it is.
Most folks bought these vehicles to use as a truck. No soccer moms were driving these around town or on the highway. If you were hauling or doing service work, you needed more on the low end, so you might not ever do much more than what is stated above, certainly not with a 6 banger.
If the truck's motor is running properly and you can only do 60 mph, then it is what it is.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
Back when my dads was new it would run a solid 105mph with a 4:11 gear. engine was screaming probably 5000rpms. We drove 80mph everywhere.
Have three current trucks the 65 I can cruise down highway @ 70-75mph all day no problem, the 66 Ranger have not gone that far yet but expect top speed to be 100mph plus. My 66 F100 should run 140mph plus.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Centralia, WA
'66 F100, 240, C4, 3.25:1. Mine will do 70 mph (the speed limit) all day long, but I go 65 or less for better fuel economy; will also do 60 mph with a half ton or more in the bed but the road has to be really smooth. 
With the 3.25:1 and 27 inch tires at 70 mph I am at 2831 RPM of my 4400 RPM engine. I've still got some top end left, but without helmet, a three point harness and blonde-star to save me, I'm chicken to go any faster.
You can manually find rear end gear ratio by jacking up the left rear only with chalk marks on the drum and drive shaft and turn the wheel (twice) and count drive shaft revolutions.
With the 3.25:1 and 27 inch tires at 70 mph I am at 2831 RPM of my 4400 RPM engine. I've still got some top end left, but without helmet, a three point harness and blonde-star to save me, I'm chicken to go any faster.
You can manually find rear end gear ratio by jacking up the left rear only with chalk marks on the drum and drive shaft and turn the wheel (twice) and count drive shaft revolutions.
