Gearing vs Mileage
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From: California
Gearing vs Mileage
I am currently spec'ing out a 2005 4.2 F150, and am looking for some input regarding gearing. I am tempted to spec the 3.73LS for a little added zip as well as perhaps better towing characteristics, however does anybody have any idea how much, if any, mpg's I may be giving up on the highway? Also, with such low gearing, does that mean that I will have to shift out of first almost right away (at like, 6 miles per hour or something)? FYI, I'm getting a manual.
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From: Aurora, NC
I had a 97 w/auto, 3.08 gears and 235/70/16 and averaged 21mpg stock. In 2000 I bought an auto w/3.55 gears and 255/70/16s and got about 20mpg stock. Not an earth shattering difference though the tires might have offset it by half. The 97 turned 1500 rpm at 55 while the 2000 turns about 1600 rpms at 55. Don't know if this helps you any. Geeze just realized you are talking 2005 which is a fairly heavy truck, mine is a S/C. I would definatily get the 3.73s and not look back.
Last edited by bratman2; Dec 11, 2004 at 08:14 AM.
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From: California
Yeah, because the 2005 is such a heavy beast, I'm probably going to get a standard cab short bed to minimize the weight penalty. Of course 4x2 since Ford's not offering a manual 4x4 F150 (which I wish they would). I am however tempted to get the long bed just so I can spec the 35.7 gallon gas tank option. That baby would have quite some highway range (35.7 x 20 mpg = 714 miles -- sweet!).
But back to the gearing, I'll probably be spec'ing the 3.73 with the 255 size tire. If it takes away 1/2 to 1 mpg, I'll try to implement a mod or two to get it back.
Thanks for sharing your real world experience bratman2.
But back to the gearing, I'll probably be spec'ing the 3.73 with the 255 size tire. If it takes away 1/2 to 1 mpg, I'll try to implement a mod or two to get it back.
Thanks for sharing your real world experience bratman2.
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The www.fordvehicles.com website shows the 4.2L as available with a standard cab and long bed configuration.
I must agree with you, my 20 mpg figure is too high if I was going with the long bed. The long bed would make my truck un-garage-able anyway, so I probably won't go for that. Maybe just get an aftermarket bed extender.
I must agree with you, my 20 mpg figure is too high if I was going with the long bed. The long bed would make my truck un-garage-able anyway, so I probably won't go for that. Maybe just get an aftermarket bed extender.
Laughing Gas
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Originally Posted by Scott_XLT
The www.fordvehicles.com website shows the 4.2L as available with a standard cab and long bed configuration.
Hmmm....must be a conspiracy.
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I've noticed since I've joined this forum that people often reference Truckin' and 4-wheelin' magazine. I read Truck Trend -- maybe I'm reading the wrong magazine? Anyway, I think it curious that Ford would restrict the 4.2 to the short bed only, as the early feedback I've heard of the 4.2 2005 is positive in the "pep" department. Good thing I have to wait a bit until I can scrounge up the down payment - more time to obsess and figure things out.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
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Scott,
in case you didnt know, Truckin' is a custom truck magazine. If you enjoy custom trucks, you'll love this. It features trucks that are either taller than houses or so low you have to dig a ditch to open the door. The best is when they have pictures of show coverage, and theres a truck body dropped on bags LITERALLY parked under a lifted truck with a full custom-built frame. Performance parts, paint jobs, custom body work, stereos, even boats are covered in this mag. I love it because I love all trucks, lifted or slammed.
4-wheelin', although i have never read it, is proably about off roading and lifted trucks.
Hope this helps, and hope i wasn't stating the obvious.....
Rman
in case you didnt know, Truckin' is a custom truck magazine. If you enjoy custom trucks, you'll love this. It features trucks that are either taller than houses or so low you have to dig a ditch to open the door. The best is when they have pictures of show coverage, and theres a truck body dropped on bags LITERALLY parked under a lifted truck with a full custom-built frame. Performance parts, paint jobs, custom body work, stereos, even boats are covered in this mag. I love it because I love all trucks, lifted or slammed.
4-wheelin', although i have never read it, is proably about off roading and lifted trucks.
Hope this helps, and hope i wasn't stating the obvious.....
Rman
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From: Azle, TX
I would get the 3.73 LS for sure. I have 3.55's in my '01 Single Cab Short Bed and regularly get 19mpg, I like to show off my V6 sometimes =), but I'm thinking about regearing to 3.73, I like the 3.55's, but 3.73's would be nicer.
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From: Indiana
I'm subscribed to Truckin' and I love the mag. It gives me so many ideas for my truck I don't even know where to start. The number one thing I want to do with my truck, which I really doubt I ever will is get a tonneau cover, carpet the inside of my bed, and put 4 12"s in there..that would be the greatest..
Laughing Gas
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Originally Posted by homer4.2
I'm subscribed to Truckin' and I love the mag. It gives me so many ideas for my truck I don't even know where to start. The number one thing I want to do with my truck, which I really doubt I ever will is get a tonneau cover, carpet the inside of my bed, and put 4 12"s in there..that would be the greatest..
Personally, i like having my subs inside the cab....just sounds way more real.
Also, truckin has made me want to slam my truck into the ground on bags. Those devils....
Homer, get the tonneau if you really want one. They are close to a ground, for the SnugTop SL or *******'s X2000, but they are so clean! and they turn your bed into a trunk.
Just my $0.02
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From: Scottsdale Az is home, St
Originally Posted by Scott_XLT
Anyway, I think it curious that Ford would restrict the 4.2 to the short bed only, as the early feedback I've heard of the 4.2 2005 is positive in the "pep" department.
You also have to remember that the new f150 is quite a bit heavier than the 99-03 models. I remember the specs saying the 05 4.2L getting 202 hp, 260 tq. I just saw that they do have specs for a long bed as well. Keep in mind, its 202/260:
Base Curb weight:
short long
4.2L 4615 - 4747 -
For a 2000 (my truck): 205hp/255tq
4x2 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 3,923 4,204 4,581
4x4 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 4,299 4,611 4,914
Imagine the 4.2 in a super crew. Thats ridiculous, IMHO.
Garrett
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From: California
Base Curb weight:
short long
4.2L 4615 - 4747 -
For a 2000 (my truck): 205hp/255tq
4x2 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 3,923 4,204 4,581
4x4 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 4,299 4,611 4,914
Imagine the 4.2 in a super crew. Thats ridiculous, IMHO.
Garrett
short long
4.2L 4615 - 4747 -
For a 2000 (my truck): 205hp/255tq
4x2 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 3,923 4,204 4,581
4x4 Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 4,299 4,611 4,914
Imagine the 4.2 in a super crew. Thats ridiculous, IMHO.
Garrett
Makes me a bit more frustrated that I missed out on the 04 Heritage. I'm still leaning toward the 4.2, but it's tempting to go the V-8 route. Why not? Well, I really want a manual trans. Sometimes I think this preference is silly or outdated, but I want what I want. I'd really like a manual 4x4, but Ford has denied that possibility. Bummer.