So, im looking at buying a 72 f100 4x4 (hi-lo) w/ the 360 and a 4 speed, and i test drove it yesterday and first gear was very very slow, is this normal? I am concerned about the health of the first gear. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

They don't call it the Granny Gear for nothing.

But what I want to know is how fast did you take it up to in 1st? If you drive it again do the following test just to make sure. Get moving in 1st and then let off the gas, and then back on the gas, and back off 6 or 8 times. If you look like one of those low riding wheel hoppers, you should be good to go.

It probably has the NP435 4 speed transmission where reverse was down and to the right. If so, 1st gear sounds normal to me.

 

I thought that might be the case, i wasn't sure though, i had a 72 250 with the inline 6/ 3 speed and that wasn't the case, obviously thats a whole different beast though.

 

Throw a few Tylenols in the tank and post us in the morning.

 

I have to disagree with you on that one. Viagra or the generic equivalent is what he needs to throw in there. The clutch and gas pedal should become stiffer. If it lasts more than 4 hours consult your mechanic.

 

That'll get him up the mountain. Or is that first base?

 

i guess im just not used to the accelerectile dysfunction in first gear. maybe its just a phase the truck is going through?

 

Your buying a 70's 4x4 truck not a 2wd truck or muscle car. 1st gear granny gear as most people call it. Never really gets used as you found out not very practical. I would use 2nd gear for pulling out most of the time when driving my truck. 1st gear is great for moving things around the yard or pulling stumps done that many times.

 

awesome, i really appreciate the input, i think im gunna pull the trigger and bring it home, need something to haul lumber/furniture back and forth.

 

My buddy and I say we have a 3 speed with an under-drive. 1st is only ever used for crawling or pulling. I start in second for everything else.

 

I went ahead and brought it home.drove 60 miles at 40 mph.was a little concerned, it the transfer case always engaged?

 

As everyone has said, thats pretty much how they are.....although I was thinking the F-100's didn't come with the hi-low transfer case. I could be wrong......
Someone may have changed something.

 

It should do better than 40MPH! Did you have it in low range?

 

That would explain his concern. Granny low in low range = Great Granny Low.

 

Do you know for sure if you were in 2wd or 4x4? Is there 4 shift points on the 4x4 t case lever? Just making sure you actually have a high and low speed 4x4 t case. You most likely have 4.10 or 4.54 gears in your diffs did you check them gears yet? You should be able to go more then 40MPH but your engine should be screaming around 65-70mph.