Underpowered?
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 60
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From: Winston Salem, NC
Underpowered?
I just bought a 98 F150 about a month ago and am wondering if the 4.2 engine is big enough to move it. It seems underpowered. It is an extended cab so I know it weighs a lot but the only other thing I could think of was the gearing in the rear-end was set more for towing. I haven't had a truck for 2 years and it was an S-10 so maybe I'm expecting too much of a car acceleration characteristic. This V6 just seems to tach out higher than the 4 banger in my auto before shifting.
I think that is why it drinks so much gas also. My friend has a V8 in his and gets better fuel milage. I'm only getting 15.75mpg with exclusive highway driving, he claims he is getting better for city.
According to the tag which I used this site to lookup it says.
Axle - 3.08 Non-LS
Trany - Automatic 4R70W
Is this the reason it has to tach so high to accelerate?
Thanks,
S_Gibson
I think that is why it drinks so much gas also. My friend has a V8 in his and gets better fuel milage. I'm only getting 15.75mpg with exclusive highway driving, he claims he is getting better for city.
According to the tag which I used this site to lookup it says.
Axle - 3.08 Non-LS
Trany - Automatic 4R70W
Is this the reason it has to tach so high to accelerate?
Thanks,
S_Gibson
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg, SC
That is a heavy truck, but you have to consider a few things...
1) It's a truck, a fairly large truck
2) the 3.08 gears are not good for acceleration
3) it is a V6
Not sure what kind of mpg you should be seeing, but it sounds like it's running decent. This probably hasn't helped you the least, but I tried!!!
Dave
1) It's a truck, a fairly large truck
2) the 3.08 gears are not good for acceleration
3) it is a V6
Not sure what kind of mpg you should be seeing, but it sounds like it's running decent. This probably hasn't helped you the least, but I tried!!!
Dave
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
If you're going to keep it, change the rear axle gears to 3.73 or 3.90. This will allow the motor to work a bit less, but allow the truck to accelerate faster. My truck is pleanty fast with the 4.2 and a 5 speed. It's got 3.55 gears out back...
Mitch
Mitch
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
I have the exact same setup in my truck, yours isn't burgundy is it?
If you wanted wheel spinning performance you have the wrong vehicle. I am not disappointed with what my truck can do, but I know what you mean about it being a bit of a dog; the A/C is a major drain on power.
If you're willing to spend a few bucks you can maximize what you have:
The 3.55 or higher gear change to the rear-end is a good move if you want to lay a little rubber and tow a little more, an AirRaid or similar intake so the engine can breathe easier, and a chip to maximize the shift points and perfomance will probably take you from a little under-powered to about right.
If you wanted wheel spinning performance you have the wrong vehicle. I am not disappointed with what my truck can do, but I know what you mean about it being a bit of a dog; the A/C is a major drain on power.
If you're willing to spend a few bucks you can maximize what you have:
The 3.55 or higher gear change to the rear-end is a good move if you want to lay a little rubber and tow a little more, an AirRaid or similar intake so the engine can breathe easier, and a chip to maximize the shift points and perfomance will probably take you from a little under-powered to about right.