Well I secured a job which is about 40 minutes away from home. Part of the way is a 70 MPH zone. I've run the truck anywhere from 60 to 75 on that stretch. 70 seems ok at 2500 RPM's but I have to know it must be burning major fuel. I bumped it up to 75 for some kicks and she was asking for more. What's a safe RPM to run for long distances? (I'm running 4.10's with ZF manual and stock size 235 85 16 tires)

 

I ran that to Dayton the other day and she got 15.5 at 70 and 75 most of the way. I have 4:10s 5spd and 305/75/16 tires.

 

Funny this came up. I was driving out to the ranch with some buddies yesterday. As were heading out, we had the radio all the way up, cant hear a thing. As im cruising in 4th gear, i see this girl with an absolutely incredible pair of...Nikes....out jogging. After being distracted for a second, look down and saw i was at 3200 RPMS!

I think the question is, whats the safest RPM to run up to. Red line is at like 3700 but whats the max i can go to?

 

My valves start floating at above 3600 so that's mine LOL. I dont like to go above 3200 very long but once in a while I do.

 

The computer will defuel it anyway.

 

I run mine 2500-2800 all day with out a problem but the MPG's suck

 

I've gone up mountain passes pulling 16k at 3,200 for half an hour without any problems. Most other motors would have left pistons and chucks of metal in the right a way.

Edit: mileage really, really sucked!!!!!!!!!

 

That does not sound like a fun experience at all. I'm glad I don't really tow much of anything. What were to occur if you got stopped, or if your motor went out pulling a grade with that much weight? Would the auto trans and park brake hold the truck?

 

Well I don't feel nearly as bad about some of the shenanigans I've done in my truck now.

 

If I got stopped I believe I could get it rolling again. Once in awhile when they split off to an extra lane for the trucks I try not to get stuck behind them because they are usually down to 20-25mph. I've pulled most grades at 40+ in second gear. If I ever break down I'll have my wife hold the brake pedal while I put blocks behind the tires. Also, the disk brakes I added to the 5er are fantastic!! They took alot of stress off of me hauling that weight. I kid around now and say that I ALMOST feel that I can tailgate, LOL.

 

Appreciate the towing advice. That was one of my biggest fears was to try and go for the down shift with the worn out synchros in my trans and I can't get 3rd and then have to start in first and can't get rolling lol.