super ignorant question

[brettz]

I've wanted an older pickup since I can remember and am finally in a place to be able to buy one. I found an '86 F250 6.9L diesel that is a beauty. It's a manual transmission but a 4 speed. I've never driven less than a 5 speed. I want to use the truck for hauling/towing and will need to freeway commute 40 miles (each way). My commuting time will be daily for a few months and then just a couple times a week after that. The salesman seemed to think a 4spd wouldn't travel well at freeway speeds. Is this true? I am a pretty tame driver but don't want to feel like I'm killing the truck going the speed limit. Any input from folks who have this same rig?

[WhiteGardens]

I don't own a four speed. If you want to think your destroying your truck at highway speeds, then get one with a three speed auto (C-6). Nothing like driving 55 at 2500 rpms.

[84 Diesel Lover]

Hi- I drive my 4 speed F-250 IDI at 65-70 with the cruise on everytime I leave home with it nights and weekends (I commute with a company service truck). I live 20 miles from the city and have never had a problem. For most city driving I skip 1st gear. I have been doing this for 7 years and have yet to have a problem. Hope this helps, now go get the truck!!

[arthurgoboom]

The engine RPM will be a bit high, but like Whitegardens said, it won't be as bad as those of us with the C-6. They're both a 1:1 high gear (the C6 and the 4 speed), but the 4-speed has no torque converter to slip, so your cruise RPM will be a couple hundred lower. Mine is about 2450 @ 60 mph with 3.55 rear end ratio. Ask the seller what rear end ratio it has. If it's a 3.55 great, if not, it will turn even more RPMs. FYI Summit Racing and others have 3.55 rear gear sets available new, they're under $200.

The engine won't hurt itself due to RPM, the pump has a governor inside that will limit the engine speed to 3300 rpm.

[big99diesel]

I Have A 86 Lifted With 39.5" Tires 60mph Under 2000 Rpm And 4.10 Gears