1992 transmission
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1992 transmission
I bought a 1992 F-150 with a 5 speed manual transmission. It is geared too fast for my liking. It is difficult to back up a trailer unless I put it in low range. Would a 4 speed transmission slow it down or would I need to change out the rear end also? I'm not sure of the gear ratio. The pickup is at the river now, I use it to launch a boat, saving high priced gas by driving a car to and from the river. Thanks
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Aurora,Colorado
Look at the VIN label in the driver's side door frame. Check under the axle category-there will be a two character code-tell us what it is and this will tell you what axle ratio you have.
I also have a 92 F150 and it has 4.10 gears and 5.0 V8 and 5 speed manual and it will pull!! Gears are very important in determining what character the truck has-a puller or a speedster
.
I also have a 92 F150 and it has 4.10 gears and 5.0 V8 and 5 speed manual and it will pull!! Gears are very important in determining what character the truck has-a puller or a speedster
.
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Thanks,
The axle code is 19. The motor is only a 302, it will pull OK but you have a tendency to slip the clutch when backing up or starting the pull. Low range works OK but still not very user friendly. That is especially challenging when pulling the boat up a steep boat ramp.
The axle code is 19. The motor is only a 302, it will pull OK but you have a tendency to slip the clutch when backing up or starting the pull. Low range works OK but still not very user friendly. That is especially challenging when pulling the boat up a steep boat ramp.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
Code 19 is a 3.55:1 ratio, open differential. I towed a few things with my '90 that had that ratio (but an automatic) and I didn't think it was that bad for backing up. If you're putting it in 4-Low for backing, that should keep you slowed down as much as anything.
Your other option is to keep your foot out of the gas...
Jason
Your other option is to keep your foot out of the gas...
Jason
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"Keeping your foot out of the gas" is a great idea but doesn't work, it will kill the pickup. I think the best idea is to trade it off. I got it cheaper than book and I thought I could live with it for just launching the boat. I had a manual transmission with overdrive in an 80's Chevy pickup, same problem. A fellow told me we could put a 4 speed in the Chevy and help the problem maybe it wouldn't have worked and wouldn't help this pickup either.
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Now that we know what the gear ratio is do you think a regular 4 speed transmission will slow down reverse and 1st gear? It is a good pickup except for the high speed transmission. I have other people drive the pickup and they all agree that it is difficult to get it rolling.
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You probably have a Mazda built trans with a 3.90 first and a 3.39 reverse.
A bit tall for your work.
The ZF 5 speed has a 5.72 first and 5.24 reverse, and retains OD. Obviously the other gears are spread out a bit, but not many complain about the gear spread on these.
The 4 speeds are non-od, but have even lower firsts and reverse, think 5.11 or even 6.69 firsts. Great, then you have a 3 speed after that and no OD. Shift 2nd to 4th to get an idea.... & then drive around in 4th and see how that works before considering one of these.
Your best option is to to continue to use the low range. Axle change is pretty expensive.
If you still think a trans change is the way to go, start looking for an F250 with a 300 or 351 and a 5 speed, that will be the ZF.
A bit tall for your work.
The ZF 5 speed has a 5.72 first and 5.24 reverse, and retains OD. Obviously the other gears are spread out a bit, but not many complain about the gear spread on these.
The 4 speeds are non-od, but have even lower firsts and reverse, think 5.11 or even 6.69 firsts. Great, then you have a 3 speed after that and no OD. Shift 2nd to 4th to get an idea.... & then drive around in 4th and see how that works before considering one of these.
Your best option is to to continue to use the low range. Axle change is pretty expensive.
If you still think a trans change is the way to go, start looking for an F250 with a 300 or 351 and a 5 speed, that will be the ZF.
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I have driven many 4 speeds over the years. Mostly started in 2nd, rarely use 1st or "grandma gear". These worked fine. Would the straight 4 speed you are discussing be similar to these?
I would rarely use the OD, most driving is around home in the winter and to launch the boat in the summer. Of course I would like great fuel economy but I haven't used 2 tanks of gas since May 1. The pickup now gets only 15-16 MPG and I could expect poorer fuel economy with the 4 speed.
I would rarely use the OD, most driving is around home in the winter and to launch the boat in the summer. Of course I would like great fuel economy but I haven't used 2 tanks of gas since May 1. The pickup now gets only 15-16 MPG and I could expect poorer fuel economy with the 4 speed.
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The T18, T 19 and NP 435 boxes are like that.
If you can get by the gaps between gears compared to your current box, and no OD, you will enjoy the lower first and reverse.
IMO this is what low range is for.....plus, launching a boat, isn't 4wd a life saver? If you're in 2wd with a really low first, I would expect wheelspin to come pretty easy....
Pics of the trans in question:
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
If you can get by the gaps between gears compared to your current box, and no OD, you will enjoy the lower first and reverse.
IMO this is what low range is for.....plus, launching a boat, isn't 4wd a life saver? If you're in 2wd with a really low first, I would expect wheelspin to come pretty easy....
Pics of the trans in question:
Domestic Truck Tranny Guide
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Yes, I see your point, but it needs to be started in low range all the time, not just towing, but low is a pain-in-the-a--. I know the cllutch won't hold up long. The lady had just put a new one in when I bought it. It gets used a lot in the winter, stop and go, fixing fence, feeding cattle etc.