Hello everyone. I have a 5.4 econoline. I use it to haul stuff for work. Trailer is about 2400lbs empty and am usually towing about 1500lbs of stuff. I really lack power when going up hill. I sometmes (rare but it does happen) cant go up certain neighborhood roads and have to cancel jobs. I was wondering if you guys have any ideas on how to get more power. Will getting a gear vendors unit help? I must also mention that its a natural gas vehicle and they have UP TO 20% less power. So im trying to make it work since i cant afford a moving truck yet.

Any idaeas on how I can get more power?

 

Have you thought about getting a limited slip differential? It would probably cost $1400-$1800 at a specialized shop I don’t know what your budget is but going from one wheel drive to two wheel drive in the back would give you a lot more power.

 

Are you saying it won't go up a hill at any speed.. not even in 1st? If so there is something wrong with it, could have a clogged or melted cat or some other exhaust obstruction. The factory muffler is restrictive too, simply removing it will make a noticable difference in power but it will be LOUD... or at least it will be if the cats aren't plugged. Maybe this is something you can try as a test.

 

Can’t go up a hill in first gear sounds like an engine problem. If that’s an exaggeration, what diff ratio do you have and consider shorter gears. Our ‘07 E350 5.4 with 3.73 gears will pull a 4000 lb trailer up a hill. Maybe not up Chestnut between Leavenworth and Hyde in SF but most other hills. If you have 3.5x or 3.73 gears, look into 4.10 gears. And a matching speedo.

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 193K miles

 

Get it switched back to gas or buy a gasoline fueled one (save up for one)
The propane and NGVs are gutless pigs at best not to mention fire in the intake pipe and airbox on the converted ones
You will be better off pulling a trailer with gasoline

 

I will look into this. These are my work vans (i have 2 natural gas). That price range will work. We are going to do San Francisco soon and that area has a lot of hills. Ill talk to my brother about this.

 

It will go uphill if the incline isn't too steep, but compared to gasoline powered vehicles it lacks the same power. I use these vehicles because they cut cost a little over half compared to gasoline, but lack power to go up steep hills. I have 2 of these. One with new Ford factory engine replacement. The other with a new rebuilt transmission. Both have the same problem. The cats do need to be changed on one van. I ran the van with a misfire for a few days. Is this causing loss of power on that van?

 

Can't go to gasoline. it was facotory made (used to be att vehicles). they save about $40,000/ year in fuel (last year) since we drive about 275-350 miles per day. Im trying to do a little upgrade or max out what i can with it until i can buy a new natural gas truck (even with 20% loss, a new truck will be a lot more than i need to pull 5klbs). It's the gas savings that force us to stick with natural gas.

 

Can I find out what diff ratio i have on the sticker by the drivers side door?

 

Try this for the diff ratio -

https://www.blueovaltrucks.com/tech-...-door-sticker/

Shorter gears will help you climb but will use more fuel overall. You might need to balance your fleet to the job load. Have one stump puller that can manage climbs then schedule it for closer jobs when you don’t need to climb. Or get a gasser that’ll do climbs and distances NGers can’t. If you don’t absolutely need a van all the time, a NG F-350 4x4 should get itself and a trailer up a hill. 4x4 work trucks usually come with shorter gears. A NG 4x4 Econoline is a unicorn. GM might have a 4x4 or AWD van.

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 193K miles