Gear Ratio on 92 F-150 Straight 6 4.9L

[Kaajot]

I'm back with another question.

I do have the owner's manual for my truck, but wanted to know how to tell in an automatic 5-speed what the gear ratio is and the max tow weight for a 92 F-150 standard cab.

I have a really beefy custom bumper/hitch that I guarantee can hold more than the tranny/engine can handle. I don't want to toast the new transmission (just replaced).

I have a feeling I'm going to be asking for a friend to tow the camper I want to buy since it's 4600#. (2000 Sunline 26' camper)

Thanks!

-KJ

 

[Kaajot]

Ok found my gear ratio on the vehicle plate lower bottom corner -- lowest available for that year.

It's looking like max CGVW is around 9000, so the max tow is around 4000 lbs. It doesn't help that I've added a lot of custom options and weight to the truck so it's probably more like 3750 due to the steel.

If I take it slow is there a way I can scoot a 4500 lb trailer, or too risky? I do have an external super cooler now for the transmission, but I'd rather not replace the transmission by being dumb. May just be in my interest to rent a Uhaul for the day to get this camper up to my land.

 

[Fellro]

It should handle it just fine. Don't use overdrive at all while pulling it though. Be mindful of how often the transmission is shifting. And also, you do not have a 5 speed auto, it will be a 4 speed auto. They didn't exist in that year. Your choices would be 3 speed auto, 4 speed auto, 4 speed manual (not likely on your setup) and 5 speed manual.

 

[Kaajot]

Yep, the 4 speed auto is what it is. I figured it out after posting and didn't come back.

So keep overdrive off, right? I believe it starts automatically on and have to turn it off.

I fixed the light on the overdrive electronic controller last year thanks to you fanatics helping me out. so I know when it's on/off (and could figure it out via sound now I know what on/off sounds like).

 

[Fellro]

I believe that is the way, that it defaults to on, but it is also possible that it is a constant on/off switch, in that when you hit it, it stays the way you last select.

 

[Kaajot]

I believe that is the way, that it defaults to on, but it is also possible that it is a constant on/off switch, in that when you hit it, it stays the way you last select.

Ahh, no I've definitely jockeyed the switch and heard the downshift rpms. It defaults to on upon start up, then have to turn off (illuminates OFF for OFFICIAL TOWING) with a click. Next click turns ON and rpms switch. Hit it again and it's back in "Official" position. Turn the ignition off, then turn power back on and you'll be back in the unlit "OFF" position, aka "On."

I've done a lot of dirt hauling for landscaping with the truck bed (150K lbs total between all trips) and got used to listening for what was best for the engine over the 7 mile hauls, then repaired the illumination mechanism and saw what was really going on with the overdrive.

 

[Fellro]

That is one thing I have never dealt with, automatic overdrive with the switch. I have generally run manual transmissions.