Fordman,
First off, I do NOT want to start a flame war.
However, could you PLEASE lighten up?
We all have individual driving preferences. I usually drive at the speed limit, unless it is posted higher than 65, then I'll settle in around 65. (I don't think it prudent to move 10 tons faster than that.)
However, when not towing, I've had my 6700# truck on the high side of 80, myself. (I also don't think it's safe to pass by only driving 1 MPH faster than the vehicle I'm overtaking.)
Please be nice, and we'll all enjoy this board.
Thanks!
J-C

 

Chill out dude

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TRUCK
2000 F150 Sport XLT 4.2L V6 Bright Red Flareside S/C. CD Player.

MODS
Code Alarm Surestart LX, K&N Filter. Flowmaster 50 series dual exhaust with 3.5" chrome tips, Superchip

 

Ford man, I think you gotta get your rear end into the shop. I think you just blew a head gasket!

 

Ford Man

I don't know what you're talking about. Here in PA we drive 95mph (65 mph speed limit) all the time and I normally do it in 2nd. I just love to hear the engine scream!!

P.S.
Have you taken your medication this morning? hehe

 

GOOD one, J.C.!

 

Well gosh, that was a pretty boring response. Oh well, I guess I'll have to try harder next time. Maybe throw in a "Yo' Momma" joke or something.

Have a good one.
J.C.

Added on edit:
Wait, I got it!! We do 95 mph in reverse!! How about that? That's got to **** someone off!

[This message has been edited by J.C. (edited 02-19-2000).]

 

Fordman, we are not trying to prove that we can go faster than anyone else, He is just trying to figure out the problem with his truck, that's all. He is trying different methods called Process of Elimination

 

As a matter of fact, I haven't owned a sliderule since about 1972, which is unfortunate because gear ratio calculations are actually somewhat easier on a sliderule than on a calculator. Regarding my professional competence, I've not questioned or denigrated your ability to do whatever it is you do for a living and would appreciate the same courtesy from you in return.

Regarding "hands-on" engineering, I do more than a bit of that both on and off the job, but I don't believe it's either appropriate or necessary to publish my resume here. Simple speed-in-gear calculations hardly count as "engineering" anyway. The numbers are right, believe them or not as you choose, your perception of reality cannot alter it.

Next time your behind the wheel simply check what your tach reads at 40 MPH in 3rd, double it and, unless your clutch is slipping, that's what it would read at 80 in 3rd. No abuse of equipment required.

 

Not trying to denigrate or criticize anyone's professional ability, but I've worked around a lot of engineers who can't make translations from paper to practical use. I don't have a tachometer in my rig, but at 40 and in 3rd gear, it's getting pretty well wound out. I wouldn't even attempt trying to reach 80 in 3rd on my OWN pickup, maybe if I rent one sometime I'll try it.

 

StrangeRanger, I hear ya about the slide rule. The last time I saw mine was around 1975, when I was in college. Got lost in all the moving I did. Wish I still had them.

Had an old bamboo model and a "modern" metal one. Used them until I got my HP-45. Still got the 45, btw.

Been going to swap meets and garage sales off and on for the past few years. Still haven't found a sliderule. They must be collectors items by now.

 

Man, I wish I hadn't ever had mentioned ANYTHING about any speed limit to light this one off. I guess its not my responsibility to tell someone how fast to drive or not drive. FYI, last I checked, Montana does indeed have a daytime speed limit inplace, also at 75 mph, consistent with others around the area.

I don't automatically drive faster by 10 mph just beacuse that's what the speed limit is. My speed is a combination of many factors, inlcuding safety for the given road conditions. Do I drive 70 (the speed limit in Minnesota) when the freeway is snow and slush covered just because that is the speed limit? I didn't think so. Some others might, I choose not to because that is my personal preference - NOT yours. When your habits infringe upon my safety, then I will get pissed. Otherwise, leave everyone alone.
82 mph in Colorado with good weather is no big deal - with the right road conditions.

I could say I am one of those Damn Engineers because I am, but I am man enough to tell you when I make a mistake or do not have competence in an area. Should a sanitation ENGINEER (ie: garbagemen) have the same weight in an arguement about the design of a bridge as a structural ENGINEER? I don't think so either and last I checked, they teach basic math in elementary school. Do I know if a truck can do 82 in third? No. Do I care? No. Does my setup give me any evidence of what can and can't be done in that truck? No. At least the math gives me a ballpark reference to help see if its reasonable, and that's all I take for (with my Civil engineering background) - a ballpark figure.

I personally prefer to drive my truck in the 75 mph range. I DO get my best gas mileage at that speed (21-22 mpg in the summer), which is a function of my gearing, bed cap, and tires. What works for you may not be the best for others, like me.

All in all, I love these message boards for the great information that gets passed along. I hate it when someone criticizes someone else's choice in driving habits or preferences (ie: all trucks should be 4x4's etc...). We all have our reasons for our choices, lets just leave it at that.

Thanks for all of the constructive input, and good luck everybody!


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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside Bed, Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08, Matched cargo cover, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, Sliding rear window, and a bunch of sand tubes (it is winter, ya know...)


[This message has been edited by gopher (edited 02-19-2000).]

 

I remember my slide rule. It had a real cool leather pouch with a belt clip. Man lets talk about a babe magnet. I remember sitting down and sticking myself in the back of the knee!!. (that was humor). I did have one though.. Oh god,, my age came out!!!!!

I guess you can all rev the poopies out of your trucks and report back. I just hope you dont airmail any important parts.

Have a wonderful day!!.

Rick.

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"99" F-150 4x2,ext, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.

 

Slide rules were Satan's little invention, I'm sure. Glad I don't have to use one.

 

I'd be more than willing to bet a large sum of money that I can hit WELL OVER 100mph in 4th gear in my Ford.
'83 Mustang GT.
.030 over.
"lumpy" cam
Edelbrock aluminum performer intake.
Holley 600 CFM w/vaccum secondaries.
K&N Air filter.
Dynomax headers.
Catco low restriction catalytic converters.
Thrush 28" 2.5 diameter glasspacks.
3.73:1 posi rear.
No back seat, passenger seat, or sound-deadening material.
No dash.
4 (FOUR) speed straight-drive.
Takers?
Signed,
A Ford (car and truck) fan

 

Hey Shaggie!, I had a 83 GT. I bought it brand new. (yeah, I'm old). I miss it. At 350 miles, into the garage it went. Cyclone antireversionary headers, Koni struts, Rancho sway bars and shocks , a few minor engine tweeks, a set of Bad Boy Hoosier shaved bolognies and off SCCA racing I went. Man, those were some fun times.
Now, there is a 67 Fastback sleeping in the garage. Love those Stangs!!

Rick..

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"99" F-150 4x2,ext, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.