Classic Ford Newcomer
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 29
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Classic Ford Newcomer
I picked up a '77 Stepside about 6 months ago from Utah. Since then I've been reading a lot on this forum to educate myself about what I'm getting into. So first off, thanks for all of the help thus far. Since I bought it I've tuned up the carb, changed the fluids, installed some air intake hoses that were gone --although they don't seem too important, painted it, and installed a radio. One of the questions I still have: I don't have a tach, but it sounds like I'm turning a lot of RPM on the highway. Is that normal? It's a 351m, 4 speed, 4x4, 31" tires.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
What's your gear ratio? as a point of reference 3.73's w/31's @75mph will turn over 3,000rpms.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
If it's still there, there is a small metal tag on the diff. that has the ratio stamped on it. Also, if the rear is original you can post the axle code listed on the warranty plate and we can decode it for you. Thats the metal tag thats mounted on the drivers door just below the latch.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 746
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
if the tag is gone and you do not know the history of the vehicle, I suggest putting it on jack stands and putting it in neutral. Mark the tire and spin it, count the revolutions of the drive shaft versus the revolution of the tires. That will get you pretty close.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
(24)That's a 4.10 non-locking 5300 lb capacity Dana 60 (J) w/ power steering
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Zombie Survivalist
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 14,809
Likes: 3
From: Rock Springs, WY, USA
welcome to 
! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,639
Likes: 965
From: Near Yosemite CA
welcome to ! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12,183
Likes: 18
From: St. Charles, Missouri.
welcome to ! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
! it is fairly normal for these trucks to seem like the motor is just windin away at speed. a lot of it is drive train and road noise though. for fairly inexpensive, you can go to your local auto parts store and buy a tach. if youre any good at workin on stuff, you can have it installed and workin in under thirty minutes.
theFear, Welcome to FTE Bro!
Zombie Survivalist
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 14,809
Likes: 3
From: Rock Springs, WY, USA
when im in my 76, yes. lol. well, usually not so much me as whoever is in my passenger seat... 
comes right up next to the transfer case shifter where the boot is supposed to be. lol.
comes right up next to the transfer case shifter where the boot is supposed to be. lol.