GEARS

If you can find a XL with the T34 option :

Tires: LT245/75R16D AS BSW (2WD Except Lariat)
Includes 3.55 axle ratio.


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'99 WHITE F150 XLT FlareSide SC 4.2 Auto 3.55, Superchip,
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, White Vtech Sidewinders,
LOTTA SHOW and SOME GO

 

Gears,

Just so you can calculate any rpm you want at any speed you want, here is the formula:

MPH x transmission ratio x diffrential ratio x 336 divided by tire diameter = rpm

Example: 60 mph x .7 od ratio x 3.08 diff. ratio x 336 divided by 28" tire diameter = 1552 rpm at 60 mph on OD.

Remember this is actual tire diameter and not calculated based on tire size. Mark the tire and a spot on the pavement roll your truck one tire revolution and take a distance measurement at exactly the same spot with relationship to the ground. Divide this distance by 3.1416 for actual tire diameter.

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97 4.6 F150, 88 5.0 Mustang 1/8 = 7.409 @ 93.72 mph

 

98fword
I agree with you that the 5.3 w/3.73's is THE way to go, but I am unwilling to pay for this at the pumps.
Also while I generally agree with you the 4.6 could use a kick in the pants, I wouldn't complain to much.
I just took a test drive in a 99 Dodge Lamb quad cab w/5.2 V8.
Let me tell you that this truck is the biggest piece of crap around, what a gutless pig!! I am absolutely certain that my (old) V6 would embarass it!

 

Ford had to buy a truck back from me too, and I went with the bigger (4.6 from a 4.2) engine plus added tow pkg. Even thuogh I never tow, for the trans cooler ect. And they had to get on the computer and find me a truck that they then had to drive from that dealer to mine, so it can be done but, I didn't get the crome wheels that I wanted. Oh well, they would have a good bit of rust on them by now if I did. I "politely" bothered them like you did. Zero cash down and didn't have to make my last payment.

 

Gears,
I agree 100% with your opinion about the Nanny Goats. When I went to buy a truck I wanted a Dodge (I thought). Then I drove one at a local dealer. I was thoroughly dissapointed. I had driven an F-150 about a year earlier. So, off to the Ford dealer I went. And that's what I'm driving now. No, I'm not *completely* satisfied with my truck, as you can see, but I am for the most part. There are things I would change if I could, but these are personal preferences. I don't consider good fuel milage to be at the top of *my* list. I may be mistaken but when I bought my truck I seem to recall the 5.4's having slightly better milage ratings than the 4.6's (according to the stickers). I believe even though they have more cube's, you're not in the throttle as much for a given load on the engine. In turn you benefit in the form of a slight increase in milage. I haven't been back to check out the '99 models with 5.4's to compare (since '98 they've pumped more hp into the 5.4). In any event I don't think there is very much difference between the two, at least concerning fuel milage. For me it wouldn't be enough to offset the difference in hp. Again, personal opinion.

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto. Superchip, Gibson sing. cat-back, K&N air filt. 80/100w German head lamps. Needs one more door and a lot more power. I think I need to talk to Mr. Whipple.

 

I have a 97 4.6 auto with 3.08 gears. Acceleration is more than adequate and it tows just fine. I don't pay that much attention to the tach, but did check it out on the highway. If I remember correctly at 75 mph it turns 2000 rpm and only goes up 100 rpm for every 5 mph increase in speed. At 80 it turns 2100 and 85 2200. These are the speeds I recall paying particular attention to it.