I'm getting ready to order a F250 5.4 w 6 speed. I use the truck for daily transportation.....the reason for the 250 is to get the stick with the 5.4 and avoid a lot of the problems associated with the F150 (like warped rotors)....btw I love sticks and have had them in every car, truck etc for 30 years so it will be a little difficult to talk me out of one. Since i can't find one to drive, here are my questions....

1. From a stop position, can you easily take off in gear 2?

2. What is the realistic max speed in gear 1 & gear 2?

3. If you can't take off comfortably from a dead stop in gear 2, would 410's in the diff make that happen?

4. Or should I go the other way and install aftermarket 270 or 300 gears in the diff to raise the effective speed in Gear 1 up to 30+ (since I would still have Gear L and about 3 times a year I tow my 65 Mustang)?

Thanks in advance!

 

The ratio spread between the low and high gears in a five speed vs. a six speed is not that great. With a six speed you get a little more power in first and a little slower engine speed at the top end.

I'd order the 3.73 rear end if your not pulling everyday, it's a good compromise. As for starting off in second gear I would not recommend it as a daily practice, just more wear on your clucth. If you like stright shifts what's the problem with a little more shifting?

I drive a 93 F250 7.3 five speed. I've tried both 3.55 and 4.10 rear ends and prefer the 4.10 for power. The 3.55 give better mileage but when I want to pull a load the 4.10 is unstopable.