Hey-

I just joined this forum, so I appologize in advance if this info. is already located somewhere else. Nevertheless, I have this 95 150, and it has the 4.9 straight six with a five speed manual with overdrive. My problem is that my 1st gear is anything but low, and when I tow my single axle cargo trailer it really takes a toll on my clutch. I was hoping that I could just change the gears in the back to bring my transmission ratio down a bit and have an easier time with starts and hills.


Anywho-Thanks

J

 

Get the axle code off the door plate.

 

There's no reason to post your full VIN, and a few reasons NOT to, so I'd edit it out.

"S" in the 10th position means 1995. For more info, go here.

The gears & trans aren't encoded in the VIN - they're coded on the door sticker.



Yes, changing the gears would give you more torque at the wheels, but it would also reduce your top speed & probably your gas mileage SLIGHTLY. It won't affect your speedometer, odometer, cruise, or ABS. Read more about that here.

But the real problem is the transmission. It's not made for towing, and nothing will change that. If you plan to tow over ~1500lbs regularly, either get a heavier truck, or swap a towing transmission into this truck: the ZF S5-42, the BW T-18/19, or the NP 435. The ZF is by far the most expensive because it's by far the best - a deep granny gear + an OD gear.

 

OK

My transmission sticker reads as follows:

F2TA
KA
C018320

On the door the code for the tranny is "M" I guess this means I have the Mazda tranny...



The rear end tag reads as follows:

58423P

73 88 5c27

On the door the code for the axle is "12"

I guess if the best thing to do is to change the transmission, then that is what I'll do. I checked the sticky transmission page, and now suspect I have the Mazd tranny. As far as the original dillemma goes, I do tow the cargo trailer quite often. I estimate that loaded it weighs about 1700 lbs. I have added springs to the truck, and I am sure the 4.9 has enough torque for this little job...and...the truck has long been paid for...so I search for a tranny to do the job. I suspect that my transmission was designed for driving across salt flats or something, but certainly not the hills of New England, and certainly not while towing. I'll compare ratios on the tranny page to my Mazda #'s, but I still would like to know how well these will replace each other. Is it as easy as a swap, or is there more to it?

Thanks again-

Josh

 

No wonder you have problems - those are 2.73's. The Mazda tranny should handle up to 3500# but you need at least 3.55's to do it. That's the tranny I have and it has a factory 3500# tow rating.

 

Wow, sorry bud, the mazda ain't the *perfect* tranny for towing, but it has handled 6-10k trailers not too bad with 3.73 or even better a 4.10.

Regear that truck!

Adrianspeeder

 

OK

Thanks- I've picked up alot in the last few days, and this is all very cool. So my next question is whether or not changing the gears in the rear end is a good long term fix...in that will it work well with my M transmission? The # 12 indicates that I have 2.73's as you have mentioned, so if I just switch to 3.73 or a 4.10....then what would my new ratios be? Is there a table located somewhere in here?

Thanks to all again

J

 

You may want to stick with 3.55's. Take it out now onto the highway and leave it in 4th gear - that's about how it's going to drive with 3.55's in 5th. Math shows in 4th you would have the same rpm's as with 3.41's in 5th.

 

You missed the first digit in the 2nd line of the axle tag because it's in the grime by the bolt head.

Changing the rear gears will help, but that trans is known to be weak. You'll have to REALLY stay on top of it: thorough & frequent maintenance & inspection. Even with lower rear gears, I wouldn't use OD while towing.

 

OK

I think I will change the rear end gears. I'll findout what is available and go from there, but it sounds like even 3.55's would be a step in the right direction. I really don't do much highway, and I only tow/carry about 2000 lbs. total, so maybe I'll give the M tranny a shot and pay close attention to it as you recomended. It would just be great to have a first gear that felt a bit more like first...and not second. When I do this (next few weeks) I'll repost and let you know hoe it went. Thanks again

J

 

Have the 302, M5OD, 3.55 in the one bronco and it's right in the sweet spot for daily driving. The '97 has the M5OD and 3.73 and while not two much of a difference, still is nice for towing. Shuffling and parking the 10k lb trailer needed low range in the 4x4 though.

 

wow-

I talked to FORD and they want about $600 for 3.55's. Sounds like my best bet may be to get a whole rear axel assembly from a junkyard with 3.55's.

What do ya think?

Thanks!

j

 

Or a local driveline/offroad shop. Paid 500 once for front and rear gears on a 4x4. You only need half of that, lol.

Adrianspeeder