Posted by George in MI on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 8:59AM :
In Reply to: Maximum Speed.... posted by Kevin in Rehoboth on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 8:34AM :
I have a 56 which had 5.83s. I drove that at highway speed, maybe 50mph a number times (Interstate roads and no one around me)....100 mile-type trips. I switched to 4.89s and I still go about 50, maybe 52 but it doesn't sound like it is going to explode. With 4.89s, 50 mph is about 2500 rpm.
I don't really think you can or should try and go any faster than this. The brakes are...well you know...not strong. I have also seen these trucks go into a strong front wheel shimmy if they hit a hole or something like that. Going 40-45 is a lot more comfortable and closer to what they were designed to do.
My brother and I drove a 65 with the 251 from Michigan to Iowa....500 miles. Will not do that again! We ran about 48-50 (approx 3000 rpm) but driving near Chicago was nightmare. We had to switch drivers every hour...the seating in a ffpw is not comfy. Also I have driven my M-37long distances and it is more comfortable by far....but 45 is fine for that one with 5.83s.
I trailer things now, and still don't go too fast because the load is just too heavy.
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