==== 7.3 Towing Thread ====
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,347
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
It took me a bit before I felt like I knew how to shift the ZF6 smooth and efficiently. I do not do clutchless shifting going through the gears. That is my personal preference though and the way I like to drive the truck. 90% of the time the truck is moving, the 5th wheel is attached to it. So, starting in L is a habit and starting in 1st us reserved for no load starts. Even when starting in 1st I don't apply throttle until the clutch pedal is all the way up.
This was a difficult thing for me to understand when first starting out. I had been driving manual cars for decades, but this is not a car.
When you have a load on the truck, try starting in 1st, then start in L. The truck will tell you which it prefers based on ease of movement, sound and RPM.
This too, thank you sir for watching my back.
Nope... We settled in north GA so we don't have to deal with snow.
This was a difficult thing for me to understand when first starting out. I had been driving manual cars for decades, but this is not a car.
When you have a load on the truck, try starting in 1st, then start in L. The truck will tell you which it prefers based on ease of movement, sound and RPM.
This too, thank you sir for watching my back.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Does this kind of towing count??
Lol. It’s always an adventure!! GFML.
Btw, the dogs are riding comfortably in my truck with COLD AC blowing on them and I was suffering and sweating my *** off in the tow truck. Could not complain because that poor driver does this every day in that miserable Alabama heat.......
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,347
Likes: 5,941
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
Be sure to post pictures as Kate and I will NOT be there! We moved south when getting ready to retire for a reason... Not too far south though, just far enough to find our own personal paradise.
Absolutely it does and absolutely GFML!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 836
Likes: 213
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 179
From: Phenix City, AL
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
There was a loud bang and a louder grinding/terrible noise during a 50mph curve/on-ramp and then this evidence that parts of the rear differential were willing to try anything to escape the confines of their cozy home. I guess after 467k miles, they were anxious to relocate. When the other refugees are located, they will be treated poorly as a deterrent to future escape attempts from this housing.
You can see evidence of oil overflowing the fill plug hole when I checked it before this trip.... The gray shmear to the left of fill plug is where I wiped the grime off the magnet the last time I checked/added fluid a few weeks ago before a trip.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6,853
Likes: 2,331
From: WV
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 545
Likes: 259
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Awh man!!! That sucks!!!! @SkySkiJason
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 836
Likes: 213
Jason-Just read thru the thread about the rear differential not cooperating/calling it quits. Never realized what has been going on as I have been away at the cottage for a week and have very limited internet there/completely missed this thread.
I did notice that there was some discussion on rear lockers, has anyone ever tried to install an air locker? I have seen these over the years and appear to be an ideal unit. Would love to hear from someone who has first hand experience with them. I believe that they are an option on the newer Super Dutys?
Great to see all the help come together from the various members on this forum. That is what makes this forum so great. Even though I am north of the border if anyone is near and requires my assistance or tools please feel free to reach out.
Rob
I did notice that there was some discussion on rear lockers, has anyone ever tried to install an air locker? I have seen these over the years and appear to be an ideal unit. Would love to hear from someone who has first hand experience with them. I believe that they are an option on the newer Super Dutys?
Great to see all the help come together from the various members on this forum. That is what makes this forum so great. Even though I am north of the border if anyone is near and requires my assistance or tools please feel free to reach out.
Rob
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Jason-Just read thru the thread about the rear differential not cooperating/calling it quits. Never realized what has been going on as I have been away at the cottage for a week and have very limited internet there/completely missed this thread.
I did notice that there was some discussion on rear lockers, has anyone ever tried to install an air locker? I have seen these over the years and appear to be an ideal unit. Would love to hear from someone who has first hand experience with them. I believe that they are an option on the newer Super Dutys?
Great to see all the help come together from the various members on this forum. That is what makes this forum so great. Even though I am north of the border if anyone is near and requires my assistance or tools please feel free to reach out.
Rob
I did notice that there was some discussion on rear lockers, has anyone ever tried to install an air locker? I have seen these over the years and appear to be an ideal unit. Would love to hear from someone who has first hand experience with them. I believe that they are an option on the newer Super Dutys?
Great to see all the help come together from the various members on this forum. That is what makes this forum so great. Even though I am north of the border if anyone is near and requires my assistance or tools please feel free to reach out.
Rob
Thanks for your offer to help others in your area!! I’d love to get up there and visit one of these days! Maybe I could help you finish that veggie conversion you’ve been working on?