I have a 1987, f150, XLT Lariat, 4x4, shortbed, 351W, automatic. My transmission shifts great and doesn't give me too many problems except it is only going into 3rd gear and won't shift any higher.

Does anyone know if I have a 4th gear or OD? I can't find an OD button and my gear shift display doesn't show the "D" with a circle around it or anything. It says, P R N D 2 1.

When I'm running down the highway at about 60, it's running at about 3,800 RPM's and sounds like it needs to shift another gear or into overdrive.

Can someone please help? Could there be something wrong not allowing it to shift into 4th?

 

As a first step, check the fluid level. If OK, change fluid.

 

sounds like your torque converter lock up isnt working properly. IF YOU DONT HAVE A TORQUE LOCK UP, then you are stuck with that

 

GET R DUN!

 

It is a C6 transmission. They do not have lockup or overdrive. If it had the OD (D with a circle around it) it would be a AOD transmission which are not lockup either. They are direct drive in 3rd and 4th gears. C6 transmissions aren't great for gas mileage but they are IMO the strongest light truck transmission ever built. They last about 20 years and then the seals get all hard in them or the fins fall out of the converter..
Alan

 

whats "IMO"?

 

In My Opinion

 

I guess that's good that the transmission is that good for a lighter duty truck, but when I'm going 65/70, it's reving at about 3,800/4,000 RPM's. Is that normal? It sounds like it wants to go into another gear.

You are definitely right, it is NOT good on gas mileage....

Thanks

 

It only has 3 gears.