V6 with Manual Tranny - Final Gear Ratio & Clutch question
#1
11-15-2007, 01:41 PM
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V6 with Manual Tranny - Final Gear Ratio & Clutch question
I'm looking to purchase a 2000 F 150 with V6 and manual transmission. Is there and "easy" way to check how much life is left on the clutch? Also, is there a standard final differential gear that was used? What would that ratio be? Is there an option to have a high ratio gear (lower revs at highway speed) installed? What is that ratio and should it be done at a dealer? Many thanks...John B
#2
11-15-2007, 01:55 PM
Look on the door jamb sticker for the axle code, it will be 2 digits. Beginning with a letter is limited slip, a number is open. The second digit is the ratio, most were 3.55 which is 9.
Yes, you can go higher than 3.55 but it will not improve your gas mileage enough (if at all) to make it worth the $800 or so it will cost to have it done. It will also require a computer recalibration. 5th gear in the M5OD is 0.81:1 which makes for reasonably low revs on the highway with 3.55's.
There is no easy way to check clutch wear, you have to pull the tranny out. The factory clutch is usually good for at least 100k.
Yes, you can go higher than 3.55 but it will not improve your gas mileage enough (if at all) to make it worth the $800 or so it will cost to have it done. It will also require a computer recalibration. 5th gear in the M5OD is 0.81:1 which makes for reasonably low revs on the highway with 3.55's.
There is no easy way to check clutch wear, you have to pull the tranny out. The factory clutch is usually good for at least 100k.
#3
11-15-2007, 02:01 PM
Well my advice on the clutch is the following:
1. Check for excessive slip by placing the transmission under load, such as 3rd gear and then floor it at about 35 mph... if it will slip, you will notice by engine noise versus speed.
2. Do you smell anything burning? As in if you rode your brakes? If so, then the clutch is bad.
3. Also how is the engagement? Is it smooth, noisy, jumpy? If so, then you might have a warped flywheel or irreversible damage to the friction material. This is usually caused by abuse in the clutch, as in racing or just flat out abuse by the previous (owners).
4. How does the shifter respond to the shifts? The tighter it is, the better, if not you have some worn shift bearings... which really isn't a big deal, but should be checked out.
5. How is the clutch? Does it feel mushy, too tight, the engagement point too high or too low? You might have a problem with the pressure plate or the diaphram spring.
6. Are there any persistant noises while holding the clutch down or while idling? It could be worn throwout bearing...
7. A simple way to check to see how well the clutch is, by parking on a very steep incline, like a hill, and set the parking brake.
a.) Put gear in 1st. Release parking brake. See how well the truck holds. If it moves only about 2-5 inches, you should be ok.
b.) Reapply parking brake. Push clutch in. Apply brakes. Remove parking brake. Slow let off brakes, while letting off on the clutch, see how well the truck grabs. It should stop.
Again, these are only some useful suggestions on seeing how bad your clutch is.
1. Check for excessive slip by placing the transmission under load, such as 3rd gear and then floor it at about 35 mph... if it will slip, you will notice by engine noise versus speed.
2. Do you smell anything burning? As in if you rode your brakes? If so, then the clutch is bad.
3. Also how is the engagement? Is it smooth, noisy, jumpy? If so, then you might have a warped flywheel or irreversible damage to the friction material. This is usually caused by abuse in the clutch, as in racing or just flat out abuse by the previous (owners).
4. How does the shifter respond to the shifts? The tighter it is, the better, if not you have some worn shift bearings... which really isn't a big deal, but should be checked out.
5. How is the clutch? Does it feel mushy, too tight, the engagement point too high or too low? You might have a problem with the pressure plate or the diaphram spring.
6. Are there any persistant noises while holding the clutch down or while idling? It could be worn throwout bearing...
7. A simple way to check to see how well the clutch is, by parking on a very steep incline, like a hill, and set the parking brake.
a.) Put gear in 1st. Release parking brake. See how well the truck holds. If it moves only about 2-5 inches, you should be ok.
b.) Reapply parking brake. Push clutch in. Apply brakes. Remove parking brake. Slow let off brakes, while letting off on the clutch, see how well the truck grabs. It should stop.
Again, these are only some useful suggestions on seeing how bad your clutch is.
