Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill
Sounds to me like maybe a less than optimal choice of rear end ratio. With the TM behind, my 5-liter Ford V-8 won't climb the PA hills in 6th (top gear), but will downshift to 5th and do pretty well.
Bill
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My Tahoe is the old 4-speed 5.3 V8. The axle ratio on mine is 3.73 which is, I believe, the 2nd from the highest available.
In general, I use the Tow/Haul which rarely uses the 4th gear, especially when climbing hills. So, to keep speed up on a long freeway climb, 3rd gear probably puts you at about 2000 rpm, not enough to keep your speed up. 2nd gear, the engine will be screaming. This is where the 6 speed transmission shines. The variable valve timing also helps big time, but I don't know if your 5L Ford would have had VVT.