Freeway Driving

[ihatelaramie]

How fast do you guys run on the freeway? I'm in Houston all the time and traffic regularly moves along at 75-80mph. My truck will do that, but with no overdrive, the old 6.9 really sounds like she's screaming. I don't have 4.10s or anything, but I was just wondering if it's really safe to be running at 80+ for any length of time? I know these trucks aren't built for speed, so I was just wondering.

BTW... last time I ran did 80 for very long I started to smell burning oil so I backed off.

 

[65sixbanger]

I dont think it will hurt this motor. Before the Zf, I drove to the coast a lot without a turbo and the 4 speed going at least 80 most of the way. Luckily my Tach didn't work at the time because I dont want to even think about what the rpm's were. Its a three hour drive.

 

[FordGuy100]

I've driven 75mph for 20 miles or so. Its pretty loud...I saw one cop...and I just coasted by with the clutch in.

Nothing wrong going that speed...your just going to get bad fuel economy.

 

[Brimmstone]

I'm right by you in Beaumont and I used to run my 87 right with all the loonies. I used to run 85-90 from Beaumont to Houston at least once a week with no problem. Currently I run my 92 CC flatbed with 4.10s in it down I-10 keeping with traffic with no problem at all. Granted it has an E4OD in it it don't help much with 4.10s

 

[dyoung14]

IT wont hurt the engine the engines are tuff, but your wallet is not going to be as tuff with the non overdrive your not going to get the best fuel milage, i wouldnt worry about the motors, i hot rod mine alot i have an ip on mine that turns 3800 rpm, and i do it pretty often so if they can hold up to me they can hold up tp anyone

 

[Brimmstone]

running 80 down I-10 I was getting 16 in my 87 and that was a turboed 6.9, t-19, and 3.55 gears

 

[icanfixall]

I travel the freeways here usually 75 to 80 just keeping up to traffic but... My final drive ratio is 1.97 using the BTS E4od and the Gear Vendors in double overdrive... The rpms are 1750 at 80 mph and my gears are 3.55. Almost 20 mpg too....

 

[freebird01]

i usually keep it around 70 no matter what the idiots are doing....they usually avoid my old rusty ford anyway....

was great goin around the bypass around baltimore and DC with my truck and a 16' equipment trailer that seen better days ... those idiots in their lexus and BMW's would literally move away from me...there i was cruisin 75...the way back want as fun with a case tractor on the deck and a 6' bush hog in the bed of the truck with uber high winds...took me down to 55...

 

[bigrandy]

I can run mine at 75 and turn 3300 and if I am lucky I get 8mpg's.4.10's and 37's

 

[towcat]

70-85 in kali.
got clocked in TX at 104. got a very stern warning.
If I drove the speed limit I would go nuts. Paying a higher price for fuel is cheaper than going to a shrink.

 

[FordGuy100]

And you only got a warning?!?!?!?!

 

[funnyman06]

Maybe he thought the towcat was trying to break an IDI world speed record...

 

[homelessduck]

My vehicle would have been on a flat bed being towed to the impound lot before I had a chance to unbuckle. You sir, are lucky.

 

[david85]

Maybe he thought the towcat was trying to break an IDI world speed record...

104 is a speed record for IDIs? That wouldn't even get me to 2500 RPM

I'm usually 65-75. Can easily go faster but I like trying to reach that 20 MPG zone. I agree that it can mess with your head if you go slower though. I could probably get great MPGs if I tried to go 55 instead, but so far I am to weak to make that happem. Truck wants to go and I let it.

 

[DragRag]

He's got privileges in TX, he likely could get away with murder.....