Lots of questions...
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Bremerton, WA, USA
Lots of questions...
After spending lots of time "soul searching" (seems pretty deep for just a truck), I've decided to sell my Nissan King cab and purchase a used (92 or 93) F150 SC with a 6 cylinder engine. The Nissan is a good truck, but I don't have room for my family, and it really struggles to pull my 2,000 lb fishing boat up the ramp without smoking the clutch.
The vast majority of my driving (like most people) will be back and forth to work, but I occasionally pull a fishing boat or popup tent trailer, and when I go hunting/fishing the roads are sometimes rough and muddy.
So, here's my two remaining major choices:
1. Most of the used trucks that I see with the 6 cyl have 5 speed manual trannies. I don't have a problem with a manual, per se, but I seem to recall a friend of mine with a similar truck (302 ci, 5 speed) and the factory tow rating was really low (2,000 lbs, if memory serves). Since the 302 has a higher rating when matched with an automatic, I assume the 5 speed was the weak link. For those of you with 6 cyl/5 speeds, what's your tow rating? Does the axle ratio affect the rating?
2. I really don't drive in conditions that require 4wd. In fact, my 2wd Nissan does a pretty fair job - its biggest problem in that regard is that I can't find any all terrain tires that will fit - and street tire tread doesn't really cut it on muddy roads. Anyway, I'm considering going with a 2wd and putting in a limited slip or locker in the rear. I put a locker in a Jeep Cherokee that I once owned and was very impressed by it. One concern I have with a 2wd is that I won't have the low range. I like to drive real slow when the road is rocky so as not to stress the truck (or my teeth) too much. My Nissan bogs down at low RPM, but I'm hoping (based on what I've read) that the low end torque of the 6 cyl will negate that problem (yet another reason for low gears). Is 1st gear on the 5 speed manual anything like the "granny low" on my Dad's old truck?
I'm not really the "hot rodder" or "monster truck" type (as you might expect based on the fact that I've been driving a 2wd Nissan for the last several years). Not that there's anything wrong with that - to each his own.
However, in my case, I'm really just looking for a truck that will:
1. Carry my family of 5 without having to take yoga classes.
2. Occasionally pull a light trailer on camping and fishing trips.
3. Haul an occasional load of lumber, firewood, or trash.
4. Negotiate rocky/muddy roads without too much trouble.
5. All with an eye towards gas mileage and purchase price.
Am I on the right track?
Sorry about the long post. Any advice appreciated.
Russ
The vast majority of my driving (like most people) will be back and forth to work, but I occasionally pull a fishing boat or popup tent trailer, and when I go hunting/fishing the roads are sometimes rough and muddy.
So, here's my two remaining major choices:
1. Most of the used trucks that I see with the 6 cyl have 5 speed manual trannies. I don't have a problem with a manual, per se, but I seem to recall a friend of mine with a similar truck (302 ci, 5 speed) and the factory tow rating was really low (2,000 lbs, if memory serves). Since the 302 has a higher rating when matched with an automatic, I assume the 5 speed was the weak link. For those of you with 6 cyl/5 speeds, what's your tow rating? Does the axle ratio affect the rating?
2. I really don't drive in conditions that require 4wd. In fact, my 2wd Nissan does a pretty fair job - its biggest problem in that regard is that I can't find any all terrain tires that will fit - and street tire tread doesn't really cut it on muddy roads. Anyway, I'm considering going with a 2wd and putting in a limited slip or locker in the rear. I put a locker in a Jeep Cherokee that I once owned and was very impressed by it. One concern I have with a 2wd is that I won't have the low range. I like to drive real slow when the road is rocky so as not to stress the truck (or my teeth) too much. My Nissan bogs down at low RPM, but I'm hoping (based on what I've read) that the low end torque of the 6 cyl will negate that problem (yet another reason for low gears). Is 1st gear on the 5 speed manual anything like the "granny low" on my Dad's old truck?
I'm not really the "hot rodder" or "monster truck" type (as you might expect based on the fact that I've been driving a 2wd Nissan for the last several years). Not that there's anything wrong with that - to each his own.
However, in my case, I'm really just looking for a truck that will:
1. Carry my family of 5 without having to take yoga classes.
2. Occasionally pull a light trailer on camping and fishing trips.
3. Haul an occasional load of lumber, firewood, or trash.
4. Negotiate rocky/muddy roads without too much trouble.
5. All with an eye towards gas mileage and purchase price.
Am I on the right track?
Sorry about the long post. Any advice appreciated.
Russ
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock, Texas, USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Russs:
After spending lots of time "soul searching" (seems pretty deep for just a truck), I've decided to sell my Nissan King cab and purchase a used (92 or 93) F150 SC with a 6 cylinder engine. The Nissan is a good truck, but I don't have room for my family, and it really struggles to pull my 2,000 lb fishing boat up the ramp without smoking the clutch.
The vast majority of my driving (like most people) will be back and forth to work, but I occasionally pull a fishing boat or popup tent trailer, and when I go hunting/fishing the roads are sometimes rough and muddy.
So, here's my two remaining major choices:
1. Most of the used trucks that I see with the 6 cyl have 5 speed manual trannies. I don't have a problem with a manual, per se, but I seem to recall a friend of mine with a similar truck (302 ci, 5 speed) and the factory tow rating was really low (2,000 lbs, if memory serves). Since the 302 has a higher rating when matched with an automatic, I assume the 5 speed was the weak link. For those of you with 6 cyl/5 speeds, what's your tow rating? Does the axle ratio affect the rating?
2. I really don't drive in conditions that require 4wd. In fact, my 2wd Nissan does a pretty fair job - its biggest problem in that regard is that I can't find any all terrain tires that will fit - and street tire tread doesn't really cut it on muddy roads. Anyway, I'm considering going with a 2wd and putting in a limited slip or locker in the rear. I put a locker in a Jeep Cherokee that I once owned and was very impressed by it. One concern I have with a 2wd is that I won't have the low range. I like to drive real slow when the road is rocky so as not to stress the truck (or my teeth) too much. My Nissan bogs down at low RPM, but I'm hoping (based on what I've read) that the low end torque of the 6 cyl will negate that problem (yet another reason for low gears). Is 1st gear on the 5 speed manual anything like the "granny low" on my Dad's old truck?
I'm not really the "hot rodder" or "monster truck" type (as you might expect based on the fact that I've been driving a 2wd Nissan for the last several years). Not that there's anything wrong with that - to each his own.
However, in my case, I'm really just looking for a truck that will:
1. Carry my family of 5 without having to take yoga classes.
2. Occasionally pull a light trailer on camping and fishing trips.
3. Haul an occasional load of lumber, firewood, or trash.
4. Negotiate rocky/muddy roads without too much trouble.
5. All with an eye towards gas mileage and purchase price.
Am I on the right track?
Sorry about the long post. Any advice appreciated.
Russ</font>
After spending lots of time "soul searching" (seems pretty deep for just a truck), I've decided to sell my Nissan King cab and purchase a used (92 or 93) F150 SC with a 6 cylinder engine. The Nissan is a good truck, but I don't have room for my family, and it really struggles to pull my 2,000 lb fishing boat up the ramp without smoking the clutch.
The vast majority of my driving (like most people) will be back and forth to work, but I occasionally pull a fishing boat or popup tent trailer, and when I go hunting/fishing the roads are sometimes rough and muddy.
So, here's my two remaining major choices:
1. Most of the used trucks that I see with the 6 cyl have 5 speed manual trannies. I don't have a problem with a manual, per se, but I seem to recall a friend of mine with a similar truck (302 ci, 5 speed) and the factory tow rating was really low (2,000 lbs, if memory serves). Since the 302 has a higher rating when matched with an automatic, I assume the 5 speed was the weak link. For those of you with 6 cyl/5 speeds, what's your tow rating? Does the axle ratio affect the rating?
2. I really don't drive in conditions that require 4wd. In fact, my 2wd Nissan does a pretty fair job - its biggest problem in that regard is that I can't find any all terrain tires that will fit - and street tire tread doesn't really cut it on muddy roads. Anyway, I'm considering going with a 2wd and putting in a limited slip or locker in the rear. I put a locker in a Jeep Cherokee that I once owned and was very impressed by it. One concern I have with a 2wd is that I won't have the low range. I like to drive real slow when the road is rocky so as not to stress the truck (or my teeth) too much. My Nissan bogs down at low RPM, but I'm hoping (based on what I've read) that the low end torque of the 6 cyl will negate that problem (yet another reason for low gears). Is 1st gear on the 5 speed manual anything like the "granny low" on my Dad's old truck?
I'm not really the "hot rodder" or "monster truck" type (as you might expect based on the fact that I've been driving a 2wd Nissan for the last several years). Not that there's anything wrong with that - to each his own.
However, in my case, I'm really just looking for a truck that will:
1. Carry my family of 5 without having to take yoga classes.
2. Occasionally pull a light trailer on camping and fishing trips.
3. Haul an occasional load of lumber, firewood, or trash.
4. Negotiate rocky/muddy roads without too much trouble.
5. All with an eye towards gas mileage and purchase price.
Am I on the right track?
Sorry about the long post. Any advice appreciated.
Russ</font>
Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Lubbock, Texas, USA
Sorry for the empty post above, it's early and the coffee is slow kicking in.
Russs,
I bought a used 90 F150 SC with the 4.9L straight six about a year ago and am really pleased with it. Only change I would make would be a 5-speed manual over the E4OD automatic...but even so it is good on and off the road and in towing (Just don't tow in OD).
Don't know the difference between towing capacities as far as manual or automatic, though. Some folks say the Mazda 5-speed manual tranny is junk, just FYI.
A good 4.9L will get you about 15-19 mpg in town driving and 1-2 mpg better down the highway, a bit less towing though. You'll get best mpg from side-gapped plugs, clean air filter, well-tuned engine (not hard to do), and good open exhaust (this engine needs all the help it can get breathing).
Not sure if you have family of 5 including you and wife, or 5 kiddos. 5 kiddos and 2 adults would be too much for a supercab. I've only got a family of three, including me, and we always fill up the cab when we travel (what is the deal with women and luggage?). You might consider a doublecab instead. They're around if you look hard enough. If you go with a supercab, get one with the bench back seat...the little side jumpseats don't cut it, except for little kiddos.
www.ford-trucks.com is a good site for learning, conversing and buying...this site is great, too. Good luck.
TM
Russs,
I bought a used 90 F150 SC with the 4.9L straight six about a year ago and am really pleased with it. Only change I would make would be a 5-speed manual over the E4OD automatic...but even so it is good on and off the road and in towing (Just don't tow in OD).
Don't know the difference between towing capacities as far as manual or automatic, though. Some folks say the Mazda 5-speed manual tranny is junk, just FYI.
A good 4.9L will get you about 15-19 mpg in town driving and 1-2 mpg better down the highway, a bit less towing though. You'll get best mpg from side-gapped plugs, clean air filter, well-tuned engine (not hard to do), and good open exhaust (this engine needs all the help it can get breathing).
Not sure if you have family of 5 including you and wife, or 5 kiddos. 5 kiddos and 2 adults would be too much for a supercab. I've only got a family of three, including me, and we always fill up the cab when we travel (what is the deal with women and luggage?). You might consider a doublecab instead. They're around if you look hard enough. If you go with a supercab, get one with the bench back seat...the little side jumpseats don't cut it, except for little kiddos.
www.ford-trucks.com is a good site for learning, conversing and buying...this site is great, too. Good luck.
TM
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Bremerton, WA, USA
Thanks for the reply, tmcalavy. Why do you say you wish you had the 5 speed over the automatic? Also, do you have any idea what your tow rating is with your current setup?
(By the way, it's a total of 5, not 5 kids).
Russ
(By the way, it's a total of 5, not 5 kids).
Russ
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Joined: Jan 2000
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The difference in tow rating is slipping a clutch to start off, vs. the torque-multiplication effect of the Torque Converter in the automatic. The stick has a lower rating due to that, not the strength of the trans. On some tow ratings, the stick is only about a half of the auto version. A lower axle ratio (numerically higher) will help, like a 3.55 rear instead of a 3.08. Axle code on the door frame sticker is "19" for 3.55 ratio, "H9" for 3.55 with Limited Slip.
The granny gear was in the old T-18 4 speed. I don't have a 300-6, but have seen them in E-250/350 3/4 & 1 tonwork vans, they are a truck workhorse engine. Built for hauling heavy loads reliably, not for stoplight racing. Been around for years, and the 240 cube version before it too. Long engine, but narrow. Lots of working room under the hood. That would be very nice. I may get one of these sometime.
The granny gear was in the old T-18 4 speed. I don't have a 300-6, but have seen them in E-250/350 3/4 & 1 tonwork vans, they are a truck workhorse engine. Built for hauling heavy loads reliably, not for stoplight racing. Been around for years, and the 240 cube version before it too. Long engine, but narrow. Lots of working room under the hood. That would be very nice. I may get one of these sometime.
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Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 24
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From: Lubbock, Texas, USA
Russs,
My manual says my 90 F150 SC with 4.9L six can tow 10,000 lbs. with the 4.10 rear-end. I've got a different rear end, 3.08 I think, but I've hauled more than 4,500 with it. Did quite well, too. If you're serious about towing, look for a truck with the towing package...heavy duty suspension, bigger cooling capacity, higher geared rear end, etc. I prefer manuals to automatics simply because I've had four trucks in the past and the best three were all F100s or F150s with the 4.9L six and a three or four-speed manual tranny. Never had a tranny problem with them, ever. Both 4-speeds were the T18 that Granpa mentions. You can literally pull stumps with that set up. I haven't towed much with autos, so can't speak for their reliability, but so far my E4OD is holding up nicely. Others say the C6 is the superior Ford automatic. With 3 kids, you'll definitely want the back bench seat in a supercab truck. I wouldn't have any other engine in a truck after having 3 with the 4.9L six. Easy to work on, fairly good mileage (mine gets 17 to 18 in town and 19 to 20 highway with 145,000 miles on it), and strong, strong, strong. I always wished the T18s had one more gear, OD. Can't complain though, they always took me where I wanted to go and back, and never let me down.
My manual says my 90 F150 SC with 4.9L six can tow 10,000 lbs. with the 4.10 rear-end. I've got a different rear end, 3.08 I think, but I've hauled more than 4,500 with it. Did quite well, too. If you're serious about towing, look for a truck with the towing package...heavy duty suspension, bigger cooling capacity, higher geared rear end, etc. I prefer manuals to automatics simply because I've had four trucks in the past and the best three were all F100s or F150s with the 4.9L six and a three or four-speed manual tranny. Never had a tranny problem with them, ever. Both 4-speeds were the T18 that Granpa mentions. You can literally pull stumps with that set up. I haven't towed much with autos, so can't speak for their reliability, but so far my E4OD is holding up nicely. Others say the C6 is the superior Ford automatic. With 3 kids, you'll definitely want the back bench seat in a supercab truck. I wouldn't have any other engine in a truck after having 3 with the 4.9L six. Easy to work on, fairly good mileage (mine gets 17 to 18 in town and 19 to 20 highway with 145,000 miles on it), and strong, strong, strong. I always wished the T18s had one more gear, OD. Can't complain though, they always took me where I wanted to go and back, and never let me down.
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Maybe a different approach... I'd buy 2 vehicles if you have the space.
One of those mini vans (5-10 years old should cost 2 to 5K for a decent one) for the kids and for driving around mileage, then buy a truck for the pulling power and trash hauling when you need it.
To pile 5 people in any of the extended cab trucks is okay sometimes, but you don't want to do it alot...
JMO, don't shoot me... lol
One of those mini vans (5-10 years old should cost 2 to 5K for a decent one) for the kids and for driving around mileage, then buy a truck for the pulling power and trash hauling when you need it.
To pile 5 people in any of the extended cab trucks is okay sometimes, but you don't want to do it alot...
JMO, don't shoot me... lol
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From: Bremerton, WA, USA
Actually, that's what I'm doing - I've already got a van, and that's what the family primarily rides in (wife drives it). I don't haul kids too often, but when I do, it's nice to be able to.
BYW, I decided on a 92 F150, 2wd, 6cyl, E40D. I'm getting it checked out by a shop tomorrow, should be picking up the keys mid-week.
Russ
BYW, I decided on a 92 F150, 2wd, 6cyl, E40D. I'm getting it checked out by a shop tomorrow, should be picking up the keys mid-week.
Russ
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: California
Iv got a 1990 F150, I6, 5speed, 3:55 gears & handling package. No problem towing my 65 mustang w/trailer (5,000 lb) up to Lake Arrowhead or over the grapevine (I5). Taller gears should not be a problem either, this engine has more than enough torque. Last trip up the grapevine was in 100 degree weather, AC on, 4th gear at 65 mph until I got to the last 5 miles, then was in 3rd, throttle 2/3 down, 50-55 mph. Avg mpg for the 400 mile trip : 28 mpg.
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Member: Never trust a person over 40 who drives a Chevy club
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Certified backyard mechanic I & II
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Member: Never trust a person over 40 who drives a Chevy club
Flatheads ain't so bad!
Certified backyard mechanic I & II
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From: Bath, NY
I think you made the right choice. My 93 4.9L has the A/T. Before installing the hitch package, the bumper has been pulled off about 3 times. I tow a 4500lb boat all summer, and tandem hay wagons in the Fingerlake region in upstate NY. The 4.9 is no speed demon, but in 4 Low, I bet I could rip the hitch off the back. We have open class sled pulls at the county fair every summer, and in the land of Ford up here, it is great to see the 4.9L's outpulling the Chevy 350's and new Dodge Rams. They aren't a diesel, but as close as you can get burning gas. For overall driveability and off the line acceleration, the diesels dont compare. I have been considering a F-350 for the heavier front axles, transmission, and lockouts but hate to have to move to diesel. I wouldn't own another Ford without 4 Wheel and an Automatic.
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1993 F-150 4x4, 4.9L, Superwinch, K&N, Gibson 3" SS Single, Eclipse 5440 Indash CD, Kicker Impulse i-270 Amp, Kicker Solobaric 10" Sub, (4) 5-1/4 Eclipse 8953, Midland Weather Max II CB
1993 Procraft 180 Dual Pro Basser, 18' 9", 150-HP XR6, Hummingbird 400-TX
1999 Kawasaki KDX 220, Boysen Rad Valve, FMF Burly Pipe, FMF PowerCore II Silencer
Play Hard or Step Back!
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1993 F-150 4x4, 4.9L, Superwinch, K&N, Gibson 3" SS Single, Eclipse 5440 Indash CD, Kicker Impulse i-270 Amp, Kicker Solobaric 10" Sub, (4) 5-1/4 Eclipse 8953, Midland Weather Max II CB
1993 Procraft 180 Dual Pro Basser, 18' 9", 150-HP XR6, Hummingbird 400-TX
1999 Kawasaki KDX 220, Boysen Rad Valve, FMF Burly Pipe, FMF PowerCore II Silencer
Play Hard or Step Back!
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From: Bremerton, WA, USA
I put a Powertrax noslip in the truck last weekend. Installation went pretty well, took about 2 hours. Operating characteristics seem pretty good so far. Hardly any noise (ratcheting) like I've experienced on Powertrax lockrights. Only time I notice it is in high torque applications with steering at full lock (like pulling out of a driveway into traffic). In those cases, the inside rear tire (which is getting all the torque) sometimes slips a little. Nothing serious, just something to get used to.
All in all, the truck is doing exactly what I had hoped for. Been getting about 14.5 mpg around town, haven't had it on the highway yet.
Tires are pretty worn, I'll probably put in 30 x 9.5's when I replace the P235's. Other than that, I think I'm set.
(Anyone want to buy my 94 Nissan? (grin)).
Russ
All in all, the truck is doing exactly what I had hoped for. Been getting about 14.5 mpg around town, haven't had it on the highway yet.
Tires are pretty worn, I'll probably put in 30 x 9.5's when I replace the P235's. Other than that, I think I'm set.
(Anyone want to buy my 94 Nissan? (grin)).
Russ
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From: Ohio
Russs,
What size rear end did you put the powertrax in. I'd like to get one myself, but I'm not sure if they have one for my vehicle. I have the 9.75 rear end.
Any ideas?
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2001 Bright Red Supercrew 4X4, 5.4L V8
Mods: (shhhh don't tell anyone)
Superchip
BFGoodrich TA KO 285/75/16
Airforce One intake kit
Exhaust: Hooker AeroChamber Muffler, SI/DO
SurePull Class III Hitch
Rhino Liner (Planned)
Catch-All Floor Mats (Planned)
Go Buckeyes!
&
Go Bluejackets!
Truck Pull Kills: 4
What size rear end did you put the powertrax in. I'd like to get one myself, but I'm not sure if they have one for my vehicle. I have the 9.75 rear end.
Any ideas?
------------------
2001 Bright Red Supercrew 4X4, 5.4L V8
Mods: (shhhh don't tell anyone)
Superchip
BFGoodrich TA KO 285/75/16
Airforce One intake kit
Exhaust: Hooker AeroChamber Muffler, SI/DO
SurePull Class III Hitch
Rhino Liner (Planned)
Catch-All Floor Mats (Planned)
Go Buckeyes!
&
Go Bluejackets!
Truck Pull Kills: 4
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From: Bremerton, WA, USA
I think it was the 8.8 inch (standard F150 rear from that era). Check out the Powertrax website (www.powertrax.com) to see if they have one for your rig (looks to me like they do).
Russ
Russ