I have a 1979 Ford F-150, 460 v8 auto tran. that I bought new in 1979. This was Ford's "Explorer Package" with "Heavy Duty Trailer Towing Package" model. I no longer tow a large trailer and would love to get better gas mileage. I suspect this model has a high rear ratio that could be lowered. I tried to get the numbers from the rear diferential tag but the first part of both lines of data is obliterated by the mounting hole and time. What I can see is "??? CN 9 CA" top line and "??? -50 9 361A" bottom line. Can anyone tell me what this ration might be and any ideas on improving?

 

My dad's told me numerous times that ford had "standard gears" acording to what the truck was equipped with. Something like 3.50 or something. I have a 79 brochure at home. I can look up the ratios from it, I think 460's then used a 4-barrel, so for mileage, I doubt you would get more than 12-13 maybe. Drop your tailgate,and baby the throttle.

I am a member of www.ford-trucks.com

Many people there can give you pointers on the era your truck is in.

I love the style though!

 

Two tips, maybe helpful, maybe not:

I have a '99 with the Class III Trailer Towing Group, and the rear is a 3.55... perhaps they haven't changed it since '79.

Perhaps calling Ford with your VIN would elicit an accurate breakdown of your setup.

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Ninety-niner F-150 XLT, 5.4 Triton (no slap!)
4x4, Class III Tow, Oxford White and sooooo clean. :o)