Ok, i have driven camaro's and other sports cars that had manual transmissions, but never a truck. I just bought a 98 f150 with a v-6 and a manual transmission. i bought it because i need a vehicle that can tow 2500-3000 pounds on a normal basis. this is my problem, first gear is soo low, i am wondering if i amgonna burn my clutch up taking off in second when just driving without a trailer. In every car ive diven i know starting in second is a clutch killer, but ive never driven a vehicle with a first gear this low. so any input will be appriciated.

Jess

 

If you don't have to slip it too much it'll be ok. I used second when taking off down slight hills sometimes in my last vehicle with a standard (4.6 Mustang), but very rarely. Don't have much experience with 4.2 five-speeds, but I wouldn't think it would work out real well doing so on a daily basis. But if you're an experienced enough driver with a standard you should be able to tell if it will be okay.

 

I drive out of second all the time. No problems as of yet. Just be gentle with it. You should be able to tell if there is an issue.

 

What's your rear end? 3.08, 3.31, 3.55?

Or you can find the axle code on the vin sticker. You will see the word AXLE and then right underneath it an alphanumeric code. Post that code and we can tell you.

 

Taking off in second is fine. It's actually easier on the clutch for easy driving. The first gear is really low in them because the motor just doesn't have the torque. When you get in a high load condition it really helps. Like pulling a boat out of the water. I drive one of the 6cyl manuals often and I generally take off in second.
Alan

 

the rear end is 3.55

 

lol, first in a M5OD-R2 isn't low enough

1st 3.90:1
2nd 2.25:1
3rd 1.46:1
4th 1.00:1
5th 0.80:1

I'd like to swap mine for a ZF manual wich has a first down in the 5s or 6s depending on application. Lotta times shuffling a 5 to 10k lb trailer on a hill I have to use low range to make first and reverse into a "granny" gear.

You'll like it for when it's loaded down, speically without I6/V8 grunt.

In my opionion second is too high a gear from a start with 3.55s to make the clutch last.

Adrianspeeder

 

The truck I drive often is just a single cab lightweight truck. It takes off well in 2nd. I never checked the gearing on it I'm sure it has 3.55's or 3.73's just by cruising rpms.
Alan

 

you maybe over your towing rating the v6 5 speed was not that high
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=78435

 

well i towed 2300 pounds today and the truck pulled ti like champ, now backing it up was a different story, i store my system at my parents house(their home owners insurance covers it if its stolen) and i have to back it up hill and with my new truck i have about 4 inches of clearance on each side so im pretty sure i toasted the clutch pretty good, it took me about 20 minutes to get it in the right, and i wasnt albe to get off the clutch completly that much, i dont how stout the clutches in these trucks are so i will see. well thank guys.

Jess