majorgator
N. Central, FL
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Joined: 07/10/2014
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majorgator wrote:
I have a tru-cool max trans cooler, and my trans temp when heavy towing doesn't get over about 180/190 degrees down here in the hot humid climate of FL. My truck is a '96 F350 7.3L. No larger pan required. You might gain a little bit more cooling effect in the higher temp ranges, like above 240/250 degrees, but really, you should never be that high anyway. The biggest difference is always made when using auxiliary coolers.
Let me add to my own post (in leu of editing). A primary key to having lower trans temps is an auxiliary cooler. However, another very important factor is to have trans fluid that is in excellent condition. If you overheat your transmission (ie fluid too), then the fluid begins to break down. This means that the trans will overheat easier/quicker than it did the previous time...and so on. This is because the fluid has lost some of its heat absorption/dissipation properties. It never gets better. If you overheat your transmission, then its a good idea to change the fluid. This is not completely necessary if you overheated it doing something that you rarely ever do, such as pull an extremely heavy load. You'll still be OK driving around town with the "less than optimum" trans fluid.
There's just so much more to keeping your trans temp under control than simply putting a larger pan on it. In fact, that's the very last thing I would do. Perhaps, under extreme driving conditions (like what 0.0001% of people would do), it may helpful from a lubrication standpoint. But that's the wrong path to take for cooling purposes.
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trcgolf
western NY
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Joined: 08/26/2013
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I am thinking of trading my 6.0 3/4 for a 3/4 diesel... I get 8 mpg towing a 10500 lb fiver. Looking for someone who tows a similar rig with a diesel to see if the upgrade can be justified.
Understand there is no comparison on power but it still comes down to economics
2013 GMC 2500 HD
6.0 L Crew 4x4
Crossroads Zinger
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Steakman
Calgary, Alberta
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Joined: 06/01/2003
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All I can say is that your mileage will definitely increase. I can't say anything te:Fords, but have read plenty from guys with Cummins engines and know from experience on my own rig that on flat ground I can get upwards of 13mpg pulling my trailer (~10,000 loaded). Went thru BC mountains: Calgary to the Shushwap..~500 miles...13.5 mpg..one way.
Second thing is that good preventative maintenance..a diesel will outlast a gasser by far.
In the end, I have never regretted going diesel. 263,600 miles and looks/runs as good as the day I bought it.
Stk
M'self and the Bride...of 32 yrs
'06 GMC DMax CCSB 594,545 km (368,890 miles)
2003 Citation 26RKS.
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rhagfo
Portland, OR
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Joined: 07/06/2012
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I can get 12 towing to the Oregon coast through the Coast Range with 3.55's towing at 55 to 60 with an 11,000# 5er at 19,500# GCVW.
Russ & Paula the Beagle Belle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32' GVWR 12,360#
"Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks"
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carl2591
Garner NC
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Joined: 11/22/2012
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rhagfo wrote:I can get 12 towing to the Oregon coast through the Coast Range with 3.55's towing at 55 to 60 with an 11,000# 5er at 19,500# GCVW.
good numbers for sure.. any modifications, chips etc and what kinda truck running..
Carl2591, Raleigh NC
2005 Airstream Classic 31D
2003 Ford F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L modded diesel machine
Every day is a new day with potential to be life changing.
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rhagfo
Portland, OR
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carl2591 wrote:rhagfo wrote:I can get 12 towing to the Oregon coast through the Coast Range with 3.55's towing at 55 to 60 with an 11,000# 5er at 19,500# GCVW.
good numbers for sure.. any modifications, chips etc and what kinda truck running..
Truck is in my signature small 50hp chip on a 235hp Cummins.
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Jarlaxle
New England
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Joined: 11/18/2006
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wnjj wrote:carl2591 wrote:bkirkpatrick wrote:7. Exhaust system to let it breathe.
I knew i was forgetting something.. and was actually watching a video on powerstrokehelp.com about installing new system yesterday.
You hear both side of the debate of replace air intake and exhaust system does gain HP and some say NOT..
not an expert but it seem if the engine can breath easier it will run easier = more MPH (i hope)
if you have ever seen a OTR truck the intake on them dudes is HUGH and the filter is massive.
That's because OTR truck engines are in the upper hundreds of cubic inches (~1.5-2x the size of our pickup engines). They need to move a lot of air.
We have half a dozen trucks at work with the same Cummins 6.7 that goes into Rams...they have a big air intake and an air filter the size of a 10-quart bucket!
John and Elizabeth (Liz), with Briza the size XL tabby
St. Bernard Marm, cats Vierna and Maya...RIP. ">
Current rig:
1992 International Genesis school bus conversion
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jevanb
michigan
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Joined: 07/20/2006
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trcgolf wrote:I am thinking of trading my 6.0 3/4 for a 3/4 diesel... I get 8 mpg towing a 10500 lb fiver. Looking for someone who tows a similar rig with a diesel to see if the upgrade can be justified.
Understand there is no comparison on power but it still comes down to economics I am just a bit heaver at 11.7k and I see 12.5 all day in the hills or not, but I am putting down around 400 to the wheels on my towing tune, with the factory tune I see 11 but i have no turbo brake so I never use it. and she also sports twin turbos S475 over a factory turbo. I had a 04 6.slow 2500HD gas and it was terrible towing anything over 5k in the hills even with the 4.10
2006 CC 4x Lbz,
2012 Wildcat 344QB
Pullrite Superglide
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Bedlam
PNW
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I get 10-12 mpg with my 6.0 diesel when at 19K lbs GCW. Through the Rockies was closer to 9 mph. I don't drive it enough unloaded to give you highway mileage, but local runs to hardware and lumber stores usually net around 15 mpg. Engine and transmission is stock with no tuners or emission deletes.
Chevy Sonic 1.8-Honda Passport C70B-Host Mammoth 11.5-Interstate Car Carrier 20-Joyner SandViper 250-Kawasaki Concours ZG1000-Paros 8' flatbed-Pelican Decker DLX 8.75-Ram 5500 HD
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Chakara
New Mexico
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Joined: 07/17/2011
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Massive thread, I didn't read it all....
However I love my 5.9. I get (measured) 13-15mpg towing here up a lot of grades here in NN. Live at 5k feet and usually camp at 8k. Love the power, and love that I drive a stick.
Best of all worlds....wouldn't go back and hope this truck (3 years mine) lasts forever.....
-Chak
- 2005 Dodge 2500 5.9 6spd / Pacbrake / Airbags
- 2018 Arctic Fox 27-5L 5th Wheel
- SOLD: 2007 Keystone Raptor 299MP 33' 5th Toyhauler
- SOLD: 2010 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 246RKS 28'
- SOLD: 2004 Casita Spirit Deluxe
- SOLD: 2007 Dodge Dakota fiberglass topper
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