Greetings all,
I have a Tow Vehicle Question (TVQ):
I have this rather nicely maintained '86 Ford F350 crew-cab Dually, fitted
with a 6.9ltr diesel (w/aftermarket Banks Turbo fitted to it) hooked up to
what I think is a modified C6 automatic.
I recently bought this rig, and just did my first tow with it this weekend.
I pulled a 17ft enclosed trailer carrying a Nissan coupe-an old 240SX - in
it. About 6000# tagged off of a C-III hitch. What I noticed was, while the
rig ran fine, had reasonable power on the flats, is that we would run (just
about)completely out of power on the ever-so-slightest grade. Man it was
PATHETIC...losing some speed and power on hills I know is normal, but this
is way too much power loss - I'm covinced that something needs attention on
this truck, I just don't know what or where to start. I noticed the trans
isn't downshifting properly. Turbo SEEMS to be trying to work, but the power
just isn't being applied... I had a friend along with me during this trip
and he thought I might be geared too low. I think I have a 3.80 something
final drive, however I'm not sure...but it ain't no 4.78, that much I know!
However, I'm not convinced the final drive would be THAT big a factor ( but
if it is, please tell me..) anyway here are my questions for any of you
dealing with tow vehicles...BTW My truck is NOT a daily driver. Bought it
primarily to haul my race porsche around.
1. Would it be worth my while to keep this truck as an automatic?
2. If so, are there any trick upgrades to the newer generation of Ford Truck
Automatics out there? (e.g. an upgrade to my truck)
3. Any other transmission tricks to look at? I've heard a little about
"over/under" drives
4. Let say we bag the automatic completely: are conversions to manual
transmissions reasonably doable?, or are they more hassle than what this is
all worth?
5. If a manual trans is in the cards; Should I try looking into the newer
six speeds? or stay with the manual that was available for the truck when
new?
6. conversely, any Banks Turbo fans on any of these lists? I'm questioning
the integrity of this particular Banks Turbo installation too.
7. Any other, good resources I could be pointed too?
Anyone? I'm open to any suggestions, points to resource links,
whatever...All I know is I gotta do something here and I don't want tojunk
the truck-it's too nice to simply turn my back on it. Thanks folks - I
really appreciate the help and advice here
cheers - hope alls well
Thom Kuby
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