When To Shift?

[Biggfoot44]

Fascinating spreadsheet ! Kind of hard to read the sheet and graphs on my phone , when I get to real computer , I'll print them out .

Not surprisingly , as illustrated in this thread, the biggest factor is personal preference . Really flat torque curve w/ 220-225 ftlb from 2200-3500 is very forgiving . Unless you are towing @ max GCVW or drag racing where you need max HP , it's uncritical .

Just to put into context , even @ 1000rpm , the 4.0 ohv is putting out 20% more torque than the 3.0L . With my '91 Explorer ( 4x4, 3.73 ) I've just left it in Drive and never felt shortchanged . Now with my Ranger ( '94 2wd, 3.0L , 3.42 ) I suspect will be a different experience .

 

[airbourneranger]

when chunks of metal start coming out the tail pipe, it's time to shift

 

[funguy26]

if want just go to the store let the transmission do is thing, it shifts at 2500rpm. in town and keeping up 3k, wanting to hosre about 5500rpm and tearing out of stop lights.

 

[Ramcharger90]

9 grand..... If you have to shift before that you didnt build the motor good enough.

 

[Josh_Johnson]

I see that I'm about 13 years late for this but I have a 1991 4.0 and when I'm daily driving and trying to save fuel I usually shift around 2k rpm but when I'm trying to pull away I'll ride it to redline which is about 5k

 

[RepairmanDan]

I also have a shift question. 2009 Ranger 4x4 automatic. When Im hauling my scrap trailer, do I need to shift down to 2 or 1 when taking off. There won't be any hills.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I also have a shift question. 2009 Ranger 4x4 automatic. When Im hauling my scrap trailer, do I need to shift down to 2 or 1 when taking off. There won't be any hills.

I would leave it drive with the "tow/haul" button activated.

 

[RepairmanDan]

I would leave it drive with the "tow/haul" button activated.

You mean overdrive on/off button I take it?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You mean overdrive on/off button I take it?

Yes, do not tow with overdrive on.

 

[RepairmanDan]

Oh. Ok. Thank you.

 

[7aawilson]

I have a '98 Ranger with the OHV 4.0L V6. I was just wondering at what RPM is a good point in the powerband. I usually shift at 3000 but it seems to me like although it is starting to yell a little it still has a lot of power left... any suggestion? And what is the redline of the motor, the tach doesn't have one! Last thing what is the trucks rev limiter set at?

Thanks

*edit* I found some curves for the OHV and the SOHC

I have the SOCH so idk how the OHV behaves, but i normally try to shift low gears at about 2500-3000 and higher ones at about 2200-2500