I have a 92 F150 5.0 with 3.55 gear and E4OD tranny,
and took my first trip with new 26' TT, about 4800lb. The manual says to use OD when towing, but after getting many shifts from OD back to 3rd and back again we had a loud bam and the truck felt like it went from OD to 2nd gear, which it didn't but it was a hell of a noise and sudden slow down, after cussing I took tranny out of OD and the truck seemed OK. We got to our campsite and I checked all fluids, motor mounts, tranny mounts etc. Came home all the way in 'D' or 3rd running between 60 and 65 with no problem. The tranny seems fine. Going to work, without TT the tranny acts normal shifting into OD like it should and back to 3rd when I give it gas.
Should I have my tranny, which was rebuilt about 9 months ago, looked at. I don't have a tach so what is the estimated rpm at 65. I have seen on this forum that this should be no problem. Also does it get any better if I go to a 3.73 or 4.10 gear.

 

Hey kunder, congrats. on your new TT. I have never seen any manual stating to tow in OD I would NOT tow in OD due to high tranny temp and thats not good. The only time it would be considered would be flat ground or slight down hill. Good rule of thumb, if it's searching for gears take it out of OD, don't let it search!! Do you have a trans cooler? I would ck your trans fluid for a burnt smell if it's bunt or if it don't have that fresh smell to it Change it. It's cheaper to change the fluid then the trans. Re- gearing is always better, but it cost $$$. I just changed mine to 4.10s, but I run 285/75/16s tires as well. Good luck, Rich

 

Keep it in OD if the tranny is not seeking. If it is seeking keep it out of OD. I think your gear ratio is the real issue, not the tranny.

 

Get the 4.10 gears if you are going to tow that thing a lot. The 5.0 is a short stroke engine and 3.55 gears plus a .71 overdrive wont let the engine get on power band until 70mph.

Jim

 

Thanks all for the replies.
No there is no burnt smell and the tranny fluid looks like new. I think Jimandmandy hit the nail on the head. At 60 mph my OD is not getting enough rpm's to increase my speed so it drops to 3rd.
What will changing to a 4.10 gear do for me.
Will a 4.10 be easier on the engine on startups.
What kind of rpm will I be running at 65. Won't my engine be running at higher rpm at 65 with the 4.10

 

Depending on your tire size, 4.10 axle ratio will probably put you somewhere around 3000 rpm in third gear at 65 mph. Give or take. If you want to know exactly, go to the Tech Articles link at the upper right section of the page. Look for "Gear/Tire Size Calculator". Your third gear will be direct ratio, 1:1.

3000 rpm will probably put you in the sweet spot of the powerband for towing with the 5.0L.

 

Ive got a E150 van with a 5.0 towing a 4500# travel trailer 3.55 rear. Can't tow in OD except downhill. Drive is ok with no wind or hills at 55 or 60 mph. Any head wind just kills all power. a 4:10 gear would probably do the trick but i think i'll get a new vehicle next year. be patient 60-65 max