Identifying a Rear End
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
I am stating you don't need overdrive when you have 2.73 or 2.47 rears. I am _not_ stating that there is no need for overdrive. Personally, on my 300-6 with 2.47 gears, I noticed a gas mileage increase from 12 to 15mpg when I swapped to 3.50 gears.
However, I live in a state where you are constantly going up and down hills.
If EPA ratings in '83 were so great and truck ran 2.47 - 3.08 gears, then why to most trucks now run at least 3.55 gears and overdrive?
My current F150 has 3.08 gears which, IMHO, is the best match for fuel economy and having a truck that isn't a total dog.
any stock 300-6 powered trucks that have 2.47 rears is a dog.
I should also note that most manufactures state that overdrive shouldn't be used under 55 or when towing.
I will also state that I installed an OD tranny later on after I swapped the 3.50 gears. good power + good economy.
However, I live in a state where you are constantly going up and down hills.
If EPA ratings in '83 were so great and truck ran 2.47 - 3.08 gears, then why to most trucks now run at least 3.55 gears and overdrive?
My current F150 has 3.08 gears which, IMHO, is the best match for fuel economy and having a truck that isn't a total dog.
any stock 300-6 powered trucks that have 2.47 rears is a dog.
I should also note that most manufactures state that overdrive shouldn't be used under 55 or when towing.
I will also state that I installed an OD tranny later on after I swapped the 3.50 gears. good power + good economy.
Last edited by bremen242; Dec 12, 2004 at 07:10 PM.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, TN
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
I'd probably expect it to climb a little, as long as you don't do a lot of freeway miles. the 302 has a higher power band then a 300, so you want to be over 2500 rpms when driving 55. You'll notice a lot more power, for sure.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CDF302v8
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
86
Jun 29, 2018 09:34 AM
chrono4
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
3
Jan 26, 2005 09:51 PM
skycarpslayer
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 4, 2003 07:08 PM