help pulling a trailer
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New User
Joined: Aug 2008
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help pulling a trailer
Hi I have a 1986 f-150 with a 302 engine, and a overdrive automatic tranny. Does anyone know what rpm a stock 302 needs for max horsepower and torque? Also as I pull my small trailer up our local pass, the engine lugs in 3rd gear, but won't shift down into 2nd. The selector doesn't allow me to manually shift into 2nd it just has 1st, drive, and overdrive. Does anyone make an adapter to be able to lock it in 2nd? Thanks.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
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From: Southern California
Welcome to FTE and thanks for joining us in the '80-'86 forum! 
I think you're looking for about 3000 rpm for torque and 3600 rpm for horspower. I think when your transmission is in D, it should kick down to second when you push the accelerator all the way to the floor. I don't know if your transmission has a mechanical linkage from the accelerator or is vacuum controlled and I really can't be of much help here. But hopefully my reply bumps your thread to the top where someone more knowledgeable can see it.
I think you're looking for about 3000 rpm for torque and 3600 rpm for horspower. I think when your transmission is in D, it should kick down to second when you push the accelerator all the way to the floor. I don't know if your transmission has a mechanical linkage from the accelerator or is vacuum controlled and I really can't be of much help here. But hopefully my reply bumps your thread to the top where someone more knowledgeable can see it.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 774
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From: East Tennessee
I've read that the EFI truck's peak torque is 270 ft-lbs @ 2400RPM and peak horsepower is 185 @ 4100 RPM.
Although, the 5.0's sweet spot, per say, is 3000+ RPM where nothing 'holds it back'. But 2000RPM + should give no problem towing or feeling lugged.
Although, the 5.0's sweet spot, per say, is 3000+ RPM where nothing 'holds it back'. But 2000RPM + should give no problem towing or feeling lugged.
