3.00 vs 3.54

[coletrain777]

So do you think with all that said that I would be pleased more with 3.54 gears than I am with the 3.00's (truck feels pretty weak, especially when pulling a small 3K load). I don't tow very ofter, but I don't like to tow down the highway at 50 mph either. Thanks again for the replies, I love forums that actually discuss things.

[ToughOldFord]

You'll feel more punch with the 3.5s, I'd only leave the 3.00s in if you're main concern is mileage.

I disagree with Max on a few points:

1) Nothing wrong with properly maintained drum brakes. My '69 F-250 4 way drum stops just as well as the '92 F350 with front disc and rear ABS drum. It actually stops better than my previous '84 F250 with dual piston calipers. Sure drums can overheat, but an experienced driver knows not to ride their brakes. Use your engine, gears, and brake off and on to slow down and stop properly. Our company bought some 2007 tractors last year. 80,000lb rated rigs. Guess what, drums on all three axles.

2) My 390 purrs at 3,000RPM, so even with my low rear end 70 or so is a breeze.

3) This generation of truck is actually known for it's improved handling and ride capabilities. Prior to 66, (or was it 65?), Ford was still using a solid front axle. Those rode like hell. The suspension Ford used in the 65/66 was pretty much the same suspension they stuck with clear through 1996.

Bottom line is, my bump does the highway real good considering it's a nearly 40 year old beater truck that's been worked hard. It must have been really something when it was new.

[coletrain777]

Anybody close got a set of 3.5x they would be willing to let go reasonably? I think that they would not only wake the truck up, but keep it in its rpm range just a little better when traveling between 45 - 65 mph.

[oldbiker]

I'm honestly surprised so many of you drive so fast with your trucks 75-85mph).

As I've stated before I don't really plan on taking my truck more than 55mph. There's nothing wrong with my truck, I'm actually surprised at how well it handles and how smooth it runs for its age. However, I have several reasons why I feel this way.

1. Drum brakes suck. Period. They don't have the heat capacity or heat-shedding capability that disc brakes do. As a result, they are more prone to brake fade and having experienced brake fade and even brake fluid boiling in vehicles before, this is no fun. If you did a disc brake conversion, cool beans. I've got the same in the planning.

2. No overdrive! These engines, regardless of whether you have a straight six, FE, Windsor, or other Ford, were not designed to rev to kingdom come. Without overdrive and a very tall rear end ratio, I don't want to make a big engine scream. My brother's Integra redlines at 8,000 rpm. My FE 360? Not so much. Engine life will certainly be prolonged if I keep my revs down.

3. Even with the best in springs and dampers, these trucks will, at best, handle like a truck. This generation was known for poor handling in pickup trucks. There isn't the ability to make emergency maneuvers than newer trucks do, and they'll never be able to touch a passenger car. Therefore, I don't drive it like one. My Sable is a soft sprung passenger car but was designed at least to handle at highway speeds. The truck, not really.

This is just how I feel about my own truck. I'm not here to tell others what to do, since I'm sure just about all of you are more experienced than I am (hell, this truck is A LOT older than I am!). I just think our trucks have limitations on what they can do, and most of those limitations are not a problem at relatively low speeds.

I know I sound like an old guy, but I'm actually 23.

I'm sorry if I'm jacking the thread. I was just really surprised by what I was reading.

I had 69 brand new. Drove 75 all the time, We had a 11 1/2' camper we put on her and still drove it 75 all over Tenn & Ala. Up hill, down hill didn't matter. Most of the autos had drum brakes then..Just don't ride anybody s a$$ They were designed for those speeds, not gas mileage, but speed yes, and do it all day long everyday

[rjewkes]

also i have seen the new superduties out here getting the twin i installed in place of the newer stock wishbone crud.

and this is telephone and cable companies doing that.