towing pickups

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Jul 11, 2015 | 06:39 PM

79 crew cab

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

towing pickups

what do you have for an engine, trans and gear ratios, what are your rpms at travel speeds, tire size im looking at a super cab that has a c6 and im thinking about putting a 460 in it and am trying to get an idea what the best combo for it is

Jul 11, 2015 | 07:19 PM

redroad

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,217

Likes: 506

From: Pa.

MY tow vehicle has
engine - 460
gear ratio - 4:10
Transmission - C-6
Tires - Dually - 235/85/R16
RPM - 2500 @ 55mph

Alterations :
1) straight up timing set
2) recurved DuraSpark II .. Running 36 * total timing ..
3) adjustable vacuum advance
4) 1" phenolic carb spacer with heat shield
5) Trans cooler with a trans temp gauge to keep an eye on temps
6) Oil cooler
7) high flow water pump
8) Clutch fan
9) 3g alternator
10) Saginaw power steering pump with a fluid cooler
11) Single 3" exhaust from the Y back with a flowmaster 80 series muffler

Considering :
1) Built AOD transmission
2) Headers and dual exhausts with crossover
3) maybe 3:73 gears

It will haul all day long and won't miss a beat .. But oil stock prices rise as I press the gas peddle

Jul 11, 2015 | 07:20 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

Likes: 82

From: NorCal

Here's a table to get you in the ballpark. Otherwise use an online calculator.

A C6 will have a 1:1 third gear as will other non-overdriven transmissions.

Jul 11, 2015 | 08:11 PM

Blue and White

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 2,553

Likes: 10

4.10's, C6 and 31" tires work well on my '78 with stock 400. Has handled a 6500# trailer without problem and still cruises at 70 without sweat.

Nov 11, 2015 | 08:37 PM

skeeter1971

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 194

Likes: 3

From: Austin Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by redroad

redroad it sounds like you have your truck dialed in really well.
I am looking for headers for my truck. what brand are you running?

Nov 11, 2015 | 09:00 PM

uniwagon

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 159

Likes: 4

your combination

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79 crew cab

Hello,the type of combo that will suit you best is relative to what you will be towing ie..... what size truck you have, where you are going,what you are towing,how big is the trailer,how fast/how slow you want to go ect.....
I have a 79 F350 Crew Cab DRW,460 ,4spd x 4 speed aux trans,(lowest gear is 13.5:1 to highest gear is 0.86 od)4.10 dana 70.Tires are 8 ply 215 85 16 and 70mph is around 2650rpm
I'm pulling a 44ft gooseneck race trailer.
Chris

Nov 12, 2015 | 01:06 AM

privateer, eh

Hotshot

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 17,708

Likes: 136

From: Calgary

Make sure you have enough rear suspension and handling. Duallies, 14 count spring packs and sway bars are a favorite starting point for me. A good suspension is easier on your trans and motor.