A couple of questions regarding engine RPM and the 4.6L.

I've seen many posts talking about the "power band" RPM range of the engines. I tow a travel trailer during the summer and with 4.10 gears I am usually running at 2700-2800 RPM at 60mph in 3rd (O/D off). On hills when kicked down to 2nd I'll be in the mid 3000s, ie; a couple of spots on a mountain pass near me I'll be at 3400-3500 RPM at 45mph, but only for a short time and that's as bad as it gets.

What is considered the "Power Band" for this engine and what maximum RPM is safe to run for short / extended periods of time?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

PS: up here in the great northwest I have not had overheating issues pulling in the hills.

 

I used to tow at 70 mph taching 3000 rpm for hours with my 4.6L. Never had any issues with overheating of the engine or transmission. I did have a trans temp gauge to keep an eye on the transmission to make sure I wasn't pushing it over the limit.
Just make sure you keep up your fluid changes and you should never have any issues. I don't know how long you are running 3500 rpms, but the red line isn't until 5200 I believe, so your not going to hurt anything. I would run mine at 3500 all day long as long as the temps never get out of hand.

 

Thanks for the reply Triton_Motors. I do have a pillar mounted trans temp gauge with a test port mounted sensor and havn't had trans temp issues as of yet. I did approach 200 deg towing down in Oregon this summer but it was pretty warm that week. Thanks for the redline info, I wasn't sure where that was on this engine since its not marked on the tach.