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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 06:43 AM
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Over drive question

I have a 1978 Ranger with a 300 I6, 4 on the floor 4x4. I don't know the specifics on the transmission. Do you guys know if an overdrive is possible? The reason i ask is because the gears are extremely low, 4.11's i believe anyway it's wound out tight at 55mph. I'd like to run that speed at less rpm, and not have to change out the front and rear differential.

Any help would be great, i don't know very much abou this sort of thing.

Thanks
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 06:59 AM
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That sounds like the transfer case is in low range. Even 4:11 axle ratios should get it up to at least 90 MPH IMHO.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:47 AM
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4:11s aren't very low. Stock an F-150 will have 3.55:1. I agree its either stuck in low, the trans isn't shifting, or you have a bad definition of Wound out tight
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Purdue Offroader
4:11s aren't very low. Stock an F-150 will have 3.55:1. I agree its either stuck in low, the trans isn't shifting, or you have a bad definition of Wound out tight
haha...maybe. It's a standard tranny, so it's shifting, it has a granny gear in it too. The transfer case is set to 2WD, are you saying that it could be stuck internally?

When i have it in fourth and get up around 55-65 mph it sounds like i need another gear, bad.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Duke78
haha...maybe. It's a standard tranny, so it's shifting, it has a granny gear in it too. The transfer case is set to 2WD, are you saying that it could be stuck internally?

When i have it in fourth and get up around 55-65 mph it sounds like i need another gear, bad.
Look on your trucks Rating (VIN) Plate located on the left door face near the latch. Second line is where the codes for the TRANS and AXLE are. Post the codes, I can decode them and tell you what trans you have and the axle type and ratio.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 12:33 PM
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That sounds wright to me. I got the same trans, motor and gears in my 82 F-250. what I do is run bigger tires it helps bring the RPM's down at highter speeds.

you could put a 5 speed in it but you would have to make your clutch master cylinder mount on your fire wall and get it all to work I was thinking of doing it to my truck


Hope this helps


Tony
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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There are aftermarket overdrive units that attach to the tail shaft. These supposedly drop the RPMS about 30-50%. They are not cheap but I have read they are effective and they can be made to fit almost anything.

Otherwise a slightly educated guess is that you might be able to hook up a later model 5 speed tranny with the old I6. I think Ford made the I6 for quite a while and maybe still does. So that is where I would look, a good used later model 5 speed tranny that has the bell housing that mates to an I6. I think the M5OD is compatible with the I6, but be sure to check since I don't have real experience with the I6. The M5OD was used in quite a few different vehicles. Not a good stump puller tho.

Your old 4 speed is probably geared to get the most torque out of your I6. With higher tranny gearing and or the tranny OD you should be able to drop RPMS a fair amount.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 05:05 PM
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Ok guy i have a A code tranny, 435 new process, with an H2 rear axle and J front. 3.50 gear ratio means nothing to me. I thought this was higher gearing then 4.11s...

Anyway, bigger tires i'll have for sure, i didn't think it woul make that much of a difference though. So back to the original question... Over drive?

Duke
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Duke78
Ok guy i have a A code tranny, 435 new process, with an H2 rear axle and J front. 3.50 gear ratio means nothing to me. I thought this was higher gearing then 4.11s...

Anyway, bigger tires i'll have for sure, i didn't think it woul make that much of a difference though. So back to the original question... Over drive?

Duke
3.50 gears are just right put some 33s/35s you will be all good.

I know some guys on here might say it will take alot of power but its not bad thats what I have run on the road for an everyday driver. But I don't run speeds over 60MPH if you do you might want a 5 speed the M5OD will bolt up to your 300 six but like i said you will have cluch master cylinder prob with your year truck
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ford_boy_1996
3.50 gears are just right put some 33s/35s you will be all good.

I know some guys on here might say it will take alot of power but its not bad thats what I have run on the road for an everyday driver. But I don't run speeds over 60MPH if you do you might want a 5 speed the M5OD will bolt up to your 300 six but like i said you will have cluch master cylinder prob with your year truck
33s are tops i like the big tire look, but no offense jacking up the truck is not my style. if the clearance isn't there then i'll not go that big.

What are some good over drive manufacturers? I'll do some looking around.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Duke78
33s are tops i like the big tire look, but no offense jacking up the truck is not my style. if the clearance isn't there then i'll not go that big.

What are some good over drive manufacturers? I'll do some looking around.

Same here! But i got 9in of lift in my truck that has a 300 six,4 speed, 4.11 gears so I run what size tires I want and it looks good I got 40in tires on it now but....Anyway back to your????

I don't know of any because thay cost way to much

Good luck with you RPM prob
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 09:47 PM
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sorry missed the whole 4 on the floor part. I Ford offered an overdrive manual trans in 90. However I don't know if they made em w/ 4 wheel drive so it may not mate to your t-case.
 
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