[Trifecta]

Save it for the next brave soul. I'll stick with the 3.07...for now.

 

[hotrodg726]

You're talking mid 70's to low 80's. My Chev with the 327 and 3sp O/D purrs at 2200rpm/70mph so cruising at 75 in the Olds at 2 grand should be easy, but I worry about the unexpected on long trips. My normal time to Reno is about four hours but when I go to HAN I usually lay over in Sacramento if I'm driving one of my classics.
Bob

actually I was thinking 65-75 mph. the 5.3LS motor likes to rev some and makes its best economy at 2-2200 rpm. that's where the vehicles with the 5.3 usually run at on the freeway. and where it is most efficient. 16-1800 rpm lugs the engine too much. my 68 firebird with a 5.3 has a 225-60-15 tire and 2.79 gear and runs 2200 at 72 mph and get 24-26 mpg doing that. these engines are different in how they perform compared to the inefficient combination in your other trifives.

 

[BO185]

Its not so much rpm as aerodynamics. Your can run then 16-1800 in later model vetts as they do, but they are way better aero wise than a box 50’s car. So keep it 2k at 70 IMO for best drivability with a 4 speedo auto.

 

[Trifecta]

Its not so much rpm as aerodynamics. Your can run then 16-1800 in later model vetts as they do, but they are way better aero wise than a box 50’s car. So keep it 2k at 70 IMO for best drivability with a 4 speedo auto.

I don't have any problem with that Bo. I use a GPS Speedometer ap and I like keeping my 265 and 327 Chevies at a steady 68-70mph but I have pushed 'em to 90+ with plenty of pedal left. The 265 has a 700R4, and the 327 Chevy has the original 3sp with OD.
Even my '42 flathead Merc runs nice at 60-65mph without OD.
My '49 Olds coupe sounds noisy at 55-60mph with the BIG SIX and 4sp Hydro so I haven't used it on long drives yet.
Mileage on these cars runs from 12mpg to 17mpg.
The '68 Toyota six Land Cruiser will not be a long distance driver, but it sounds OK at 50mph.
The '55 Nomad of course has a boosted up 350 with a 700R4, and the Olds has the 5.3L with the 4L60E. Both of these will be long distance drivers. No trailer queens in my garage.
Gas mileage is not as much a concern as range is.
My wife's new Lexus RX350L has a range of over 400 miles, and the F150 Lariat Diesel I just ordered has a range of almost 600 miles. This with a 26 gallon tank.
Bob

 

[BO185]

Gas milage is a big concern, as it effects range greatly. Big dofference in 15 mog vs 20mpg range wise. 375 miles bs 500 miles using say 25gal as exampe.

I would keep the 3.08 gear make sire posi is good and enjoy.

 

[Trifecta]

Of course gas mileage and range go hand in hand Bo. What I meant is the price of gas is more important to me than gas consumption, and the less I have to go out of my way to "fill up" the better I like it.
Also, I've been waiting almost two years for the F150 diesel. not so much for the economy but for the durability. I currently have a 2001 F150 4X4 Off Road with the large Triton motor. The truck has been very well maintained and is in excellent condition, but even though it has a trailer towing package, I am constantly replacing brake pads or resurfacing rotors. It is also beginning to use up oil in between 5000 mile oil changes.
I understand the diesel has excellent towing capabilities, and I like the new trailer towing options such as power mirrors and down hill braking by automatically locking out the three higher gears of it's ten speed tranny. I also have a selection of rear end gear ratios. One of the favorites is a 3.31. or a lower 3.55.
Bob

 

[BO185]

Of course gas mileage and range go hand in hand Bo. What I meant is the price of gas is more important to me than gas consumption, and the less I have to go out of my way to "fill up" the better I like it.

I agree I use an app on my phone called "Gas Buddy" shows gas prices close to you filtered by cheapest and distance even shows on a map.

Also, I've been waiting almost two years for the F150 diesel. not so much for the economy but for the durability. I currently have a 2001 F150 4X4 Off Road with the large Triton motor. The truck has been very well maintained and is in excellent condition, but even though it has a trailer towing package, I am constantly replacing brake pads or resurfacing rotors. It is also beginning to use up oil in between 5000 mile oil changes.
I understand the diesel has excellent towing capabilities, and I like the new trailer towing options such as power mirrors and down hill braking by automatically locking out the three higher gears of it's ten speed tranny. I also have a selection of rear end gear ratios. One of the favorites is a 3.31. or a lower 3.55.
Bob

I been waiting on a 1/2 ton diesel. Not real affordable up front and would take forever to pay back the diesel option price in increased MPG, but the range is nice not having to fill up so much. If your towing a lot make sure you have a trailer with brakes and they work correctly this will save your tow rigs brakes wear. The 3.0L is more for economy to get CAFE MPG ratings up it towing its on par with the ecoboost and V8's though.

I am looking at the new 2019 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0 diesel in them may wait till 2020 after they work bugs out.

 

[Trifecta]

Sounds like you’ve done your homework Bo. The diesel going into the F150 this year has been proven on the F250.
Yes I want a well equipped trailer with a good winch and surge brakes.
Bob

 

[BO185]

Sounds like you’ve done your homework Bo. The diesel going into the F150 this year has been proven on the F250.

This is incorrect,the 3.0L used in the F150 for 18 is Jaugur/Land Rover sourced and build in the UK. It is NOT the 6.7L V8 used in the superdutys. Ford did make some minor improvements to for use in the F150 to improve power and durability.

Yes I want a well equipped trailer with a good winch and surge brakes.
Bob

I would not use surge brakes. You F-150 should come with a build in electric brake controller from Ford. WAY better you can set the braking action for loaded or unloaded (this is what helps saves tow rig brakes) and manual actuate the brakes say if you get sway. Also e-brake parts are simpler and cheaper to maintain. Also you want brakes on each axle too.

 

[Westbiilly]

suspension

I agree its more you suspension and tire size than your gear. Are you running stock suspension ? Rear leaf springs? if so invest in some Cal-Tracs for the rear it will keep you pulling straight and keep you from wrapping your leaf springs.