Tow capacity increase
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 7
From: Over There
If we're talking about the OP, good chance he has a LD F250 and thus a M5OD.
Even so this whole OD gear and towing thing is the same no matter the transmission. The reason not to tow heavy in OD has nothing to do with the actual ratio. The ratio is what it is, if it's the right ratio for the speed/RPM then so be it. What it's about is that 4th is direct drive, the input gear/shaft is connected directly to the main/output shaft. The gears carry no load in 4th, they just coast. This makes the transmission run cooler in 4th then it would in 5th. Is it really much of a problem, no not really, 99% of the time it's just fine. Just something to be aware of for that 1%.
Even so this whole OD gear and towing thing is the same no matter the transmission. The reason not to tow heavy in OD has nothing to do with the actual ratio. The ratio is what it is, if it's the right ratio for the speed/RPM then so be it. What it's about is that 4th is direct drive, the input gear/shaft is connected directly to the main/output shaft. The gears carry no load in 4th, they just coast. This makes the transmission run cooler in 4th then it would in 5th. Is it really much of a problem, no not really, 99% of the time it's just fine. Just something to be aware of for that 1%.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 884
Likes: 7
Maybe, but I suppose the actual big wigs there had no say in selecting Ford atf. There are more factors in production than good sense.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The 5.0 is worthless below 2000rpm all of the time... but it has no problem turning 3000rpm all day long.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 884
Likes: 7
Agreed, but assuming he could maintain 3000 in 5th it will be way too fast when testing the limits of the truck. Not saying it can't pull it but I would avoid pulling in 5th with his truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
No where in ZFs warranty paperwork(when you buy straight from one of there certified rebuilders) does it say to use FORD ATF. it says to use Mercon/Dextron in the gas ones and Synthetic in the diesel version. Same goes for the ZFs used in GM applications
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gunit024
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jul 24, 2007 11:07 AM
