Transmission Options

[jorlain]

Were they both manual transmissions? I've had two 80's Ford tow trucks. One with a 300 and one with a 302, both fuel injected. The 302 pulled much better than the 300, especially on the highway. Both were fuel injected, both were 4 speeds with a low gear (so 5 speeds total). Empty, they got about the same mileage. With a vehicle on, the I6 got better mileage on the highway but was worse in town strangely. The rollback that my buddy has runs a 460 and frankly I think it's gutless, but to be fair the rollback is much heavier than a sling setup.

But that doesn't mean anything to someone that uses it differently or has a different setup. These are just my experiences.

 

[mcarlo86]

The 300 was in a 95 F150 4x4 with a 5 speed and the 302 was in a 93 F150 with the A4OD. Both had 3.55 gears and 31X10.50 15's. The 300 got better mileage and had more power than the 302. Granted, the 302 would rev to the moon and had dual exhaust with glass packs, so it sounded like it was awesome, but it really wasn't. haha. I did't even know Ford put 302's in one ton trucks in the 80s? I've seen 300's, 351's, 460's, and 6.9's, but not a 302. Come to think of it, I have never seen a 302 in anything heavier than a half ton....but I'm not a Ford expert by any means, so I'm not sure I guess.

 

[Bextreme04]

I might have to keep my eye out for a C20/30 with a 292/SM465 to make a fun project out of once I'm done with my current project. That would make a super fun project to boost and run some fuel injection on. I bet I could modify an LS 0411 ECU to run a V6 OS and tune. Shouldn't cost me anything since I already have the programs and tools for my Vortec 454 swap. Oooohhhh, maybe even a crew cab or suburban with that setup.... I bet I could get such a configuration cheap if I found it, since it isn't a "desirable" power team. It would make a great family camper pull setup and a fun truck to drive around town.

 

[crpntr78]

When did GM quit using the 292? Mid 80"s?

 

[jorlain]

The 300 was in a 95 F150 4x4 with a 5 speed and the 302 was in a 93 F150 with the A4OD. Both had 3.55 gears and 31X10.50 15's. The 300 got better mileage and had more power than the 302. Granted, the 302 would rev to the moon and had dual exhaust with glass packs, so it sounded like it was awesome, but it really wasn't. haha. I did't even know Ford put 302's in one ton trucks in the 80s? I've seen 300's, 351's, 460's, and 6.9's, but not a 302. Come to think of it, I have never seen a 302 in anything heavier than a half ton....but I'm not a Ford expert by any means, so I'm not sure I guess.

I'm thinking the automatic is what made it feel so mushy down low compared to the manual, or maybe she was just worn out. Not that it really matters, lol.

Both were actually F150s that were converted to tow trucks with aftermarket parts. Neither of them came from the factory that way.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I'm thinking the automatic is what made it feel so mushy down low compared to the manual, or maybe she was just worn out. Not that it really matters, lol.

Both were actually F150s that were converted to tow trucks with aftermarket parts. Neither of them came from the factory that way.

YEah I have E40D, so a little more sophisticated but still simple trans, but I could tell that with an extra gear for keeping the truck in its RPM sweet spot would compliment it more than it already does. But that would mean a 5 speed with the final drive being prob the same as automatic, just more in the lower ratios. Also, my rear end is hte most basic highway gears you could get, NOT meant for towing! So I commend the truck, with appropiate gears in the rear that thing would rip for pulling, but id hate to see my highway RPM

 

[AuroraGirl]

The 300 was in a 95 F150 4x4 with a 5 speed and the 302 was in a 93 F150 with the A4OD. Both had 3.55 gears and 31X10.50 15's. The 300 got better mileage and had more power than the 302. Granted, the 302 would rev to the moon and had dual exhaust with glass packs, so it sounded like it was awesome, but it really wasn't. haha. I did't even know Ford put 302's in one ton trucks in the 80s? I've seen 300's, 351's, 460's, and 6.9's, but not a 302. Come to think of it, I have never seen a 302 in anything heavier than a half ton....but I'm not a Ford expert by any means, so I'm not sure I guess.

I only aspire to make my 300 sound like a literal tractor more so than it already is

 

[Battlac40]

Here is a 292 Turbo, 2bbl, 4bbl, and dominator series on youtube.

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[jorlain]

I saw that. It'd be cool to see him do a 250, too, but that's probably not super likely.