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Finally had a chance to retrieve the 1989 F350 5.8 with the blown head gasket. Did pick up something a little newer (1991 F Super Duty 7.3) to use until I decide what to do with the F350. Then, the Super Duty cracked an injector line on the way. Limped it home; now I have two projects. It was a beautiful day for a drive in north central Michigan.
Want to get the F350 back on the road, but the gas mileage is horrible (5.8 - C6 automatic - 4:10 rear axle). Would like to set it up for light duty work (mostly light hauling, occasional short pulls of a tri-axle 16' flatbed with 3-6,000 pounds of tractors on it). In addition to the current components, I have access to a 4.9 six, ZF5 transmission, and a full floating 3.55 limited slip rear axle. Don't know yet if the ZF5 is a close or wide ratio, but I'm hoping it's the wide. I'm leaning toward the 4.9, ZF5, and 4:10; does anyone have any suggestions?
This picture looks like it came straight out of the 80's or 90's.
Want to get the F350 back on the road, but the gas mileage is horrible (5.8 - C6 automatic - 4:10 rear axle). Would like to set it up for light duty work (mostly light hauling, occasional short pulls of a tri-axle 16' flatbed with 3-6,000 pounds of tractors on it). In addition to the current components, I have access to a 4.9 six, ZF5 transmission, and a full floating 3.55 limited slip rear axle. Don't know yet if the ZF5 is a close or wide ratio, but I'm hoping it's the wide. I'm leaning toward the 4.9, ZF5, and 4:10; does anyone have any suggestions?
How would swapping in the 300 be better for towing than fixing the head gasket(s) in the 351? If you are thinking the 300 will get better mileage than the 351 in a big heavy truck to justify the swap you are mistaken. I would consider the 351W, ZF5 and 4.10 combination.
The short answer is don't waste your time. The 4.9 gets relatively good gas milage in a 3800lb 2wd reg cab F150, it won't do any better than the 5.8 in that 6000lb crewcab and you would be giving up both HP and TQ. A 460 would also get terrible gas milage in this truck but it would tow a lot better. You need the mechanical advantage of 4.10 gears for the towing your are doing but the non lockup C6 is killing any potential for even somewhat reasonable fuel milage when not towing, so given what you have available I suggest fixing the 5.8, put the ZF behind it and leave the rear axle alone.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
