Until everyone else starts putting 6 speeds behind their almost 400 HP engines.

 

No, actually, it doesn't matter what everyone else does. What GerRod said is true: "the 6 speed tranny will make a world of difference vs the current F150."

IMO, the 4 speed tranny is the one weak link with the current F150. It is a strong tranny, just that a new 6 speed will make it much more drivable and the shifts much better. If I could change one thing about my truck, it would be to swap in a new 6-speed inplace of the old 4 speed.

 

Well, unless the new six speed has significantly steeper first and second gears, I don't think the transmission itself will make much difference. Sure, while already at speed, having a couple of more gears to use will make better use of the engine's power for passing or hitting hills. But for the first several seconds from a stop with the foot mashed to the floor, pretty much 1st and 2nd gear are all we're going to be going through before we hit 60 or so mph. Part throttle acceleration will probably also be stronger.

 

....assuming the final drive ratio of both 4 and 6 speed tranny basically equivalent in their top gears, it's probably a safe assumption that first gear in the 6 speed is significantly lower than
1st in the 4 speed.

 

6 speed 1st = 4.17, 2nd = 2.34, 3rd = 1.52, 4th = 1.14, 5th = .87, 6th = .69
4 speed 1st = 2.84, 2nd = 1.55, 3rd = 1.00, 4th = .70

 

Then that definitely should help. Time will tell. A paramedic friend of mine has been driving Expeditions for years. They have a few newer ones with the 6-speed and he has said he feels no difference between them and the older 4-speeds.

 

PUTC had this updated regarding the new power numbers...

A source has come forward with additional details about power ratings for 5.4-L 3-valve V8 equipped 2009 Ford F-150s. The ratings vary, whether the truck is fueled with regular gasoline or E85 (85% ethanol / 15% gasoline).

- 320hp and 390 lb-ft (running on E85)
- 310hp and 365 lb-ft (running on gasoline)


Better on E-85?? Any of you more scientifically talented people have any easy explanation for this? Thanx!!

 

...my first hunch is they are flipped around in error. It would seem kind of odd to advertise higher power numbers for e85 given that the vast majority of f150 drivers will burn gas i'm guessing. I suppose it *is* possible...if the fuel rate is high enough you could produce more power...but then what's the point over gas?...oh right, it's a 'green' fuel.

 

Yeh our friend has a new Navigator with the 6 speed auto and it really doesn't feel any different then the Exped/Navi with the 4 speed auto before.

And I don't know if anyone else on here has driven one of the new 6 speed autos from Ford but they need more programming work or something, it always seems to not know what gear to choose or starts constantly shifting gears, plenty of owners have said that and magazine reviews have said it as well. I had a new V8 Mountaineer as a loaner from the dealer and wasn't that impressed which was the 6 speed as well. Definitely needs a tranny tune or something from SCT etc. GM's 6 speed is real good, it was perfect in the Denali I drove. Makes me wonder if these new trannies will be up to the towing ability of the trucks, as I even heard some of the GM guys blowing their new tranny when towing or hot rodding etc, I mean even the Vette guys reported the same thing and the trucks way a hell of a lot more.

 

No, it's lighter and different.

 

we have a 6 speed expy... they do seem to have better take off then the 4 speed. It is much smoother and doesn't drag like the 4 speeds do... But as stated before, they do need some tuning. But like every one knows all fords are detuned and run SLOW.....

 

I would guess that the numbers are correct as far as the e85 is concerned. The octane rating of e85 is 105, so i would imagine they went with a far more aggressive tune when e85 is in the tank to take advantage of it. Too bad for those people who don't have access to it...

 

All these new bells and whistles and it's lighter?

I hardly beleive that. Even if they have new "lighter materials"

 

The engineers have said that it is the same or a bit lighter, which is significant because of all of the new features they added. The way they did this was through the use of high strength steel in the frame and ultra high strength hydroformed steel in the cab which is lighter but stronger.

 

no its not its heavier you idiot. my dad said the truck is longer and heavier