Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

I'm looking to get another rebuilt/new transmission
w/ overdrive, in my '96 5.8 ltr. F-150. What I'd like is make it more economical on the highway. I figured to also kick up the rearend gear ratio. I don't tow anything with more than 1000lbs. of weight.
Also, any suggestions on engine upgrades to let the engine breathe. I live in East Tenn. and we don't get much snow, however there are mountains all around.
Any & all suggestions welcomed.
                                              Thanks!
                                                      J.M. Cease
                                                                  jmcease443@yahoo.com  

really...  what are the normal highway speed RPMs   around 1900 to 2100 rpms??? or higher????

just curious... i think your truck already comes with an E4OD 4 speed automatic overdrive transmission.. if i am thinking right..


you really might want to try a taller set of tires on the back first.... and use a GPS to measure your miles an hour and miles driven between tankfuls...  i am thinking of the 265/85-16s that are optional on a lot of ford econoline vans.. those are over 33 inches tall... and might make a difference ... i put a set on my 76 E250 with a 460... it really helped.. but then i have a 4:11 gear set.. and a straight C6 3 speed...  running the tires at max pressure cold is a good idea also..    be sure to check the wheel alignment after going to a taller tires... as you are going to change the point of where the front tires touch the ground..   so camber will effect toe settings... just slightly.. but it will make a small difference depending on what size tires you have already.. or if you can borrow all 4..      it also depends on if you can find a set of 5 bolt rims in 16 inch...

without the GPS... and filling the tank at the same station... you really won't be able to calculate an exact fuel mileage improvement..

if you get the rpms down below about 1500... you will loose some drivability...


there are 5 speed automatic transmissions available from ford...  the 5R100W or 5R110W but they are set up for towing in the superduty and motorhome chassis ...  with a wide ratio low gear..  plus.. they are shifted by the computer.. not by a stand alone unit yet..  but that could change at any time... the after market is quick to come up with stand alone shift controllers now..

one thing you might try... is a K&N air filter...  but... at the lower rpms you will be running.. it might not make that big a difference for the price..


torque converter stall speed changes might not effect your highway MPG as the converter should be locked up at highway speeds..

perhaps one of the professional transmission guys might know something ...