Generations

[TexasBadlands]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

As the old-timers know and now you newbies are hearing for the first time, I was born in Center, Texas, the county seat of Shelby County. I lived in East Texas off and on (mostly on) for 40 years, most recently in El Paso about 7 years ago.

How long have you lived in Texas?

Texas has very little public land, almost no mountains, and you're forced to go to a couple of Theme Parks for your off-roading. That's probably the reason you don't think our trucks need lower-than-stock gears. Stock for me is 4.10 and 4.88's are on the horizon... I guess for that <1% of Texas trails but 90% of those here in NM and CO.

-B-

I have lived in Texas for almost 25 years, and I've been to New Mexico and Colorado both and still don't see your reason for the gearing you're talking about. Just diff gears don't mean squat, you need an overall crawl ratio. It seems as if you are constantly picking a fight with me over YOUR inability to wheel without super low gearing and I don't personally need 100:1 crawl ratio to get up and over the average 2-4 rated trail. If you're into the insane and into breaking your truck, then go ahead on 5+ rated trails and while you're busy welding your axle back together, I'll be sitting there with a cold one laughing at you.

[TexasBadlands]

Oh by the way Beowulf, I'd still lend you a hand!

[utah tojo]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

This question is a tad hard on your Cruiser cred! All the F series engines have 6 cylinders, inline format. They are built to make torque at low RPM but not because of large pistons but because of a long stroke and a number of other factors. Just think tractor motor and you'll be close. It isn't sophisticated, but it's not fussy either. The F, 2F, and 3F(E) motors are all basically similar and had a production run of nearly 30 years.

The 7:1 ratio is due to an SM420-it's in my sig line! The lowest ratio cruiser tranny I know of is roughly 5:1 in first. Most in the USA came with 3.5:1. All but the 5 speed have a 1:1 final, just like the SM420 and SM465.

I agree with the tractor statement. Not only do these puppies have alot of low end torque but they also have a fly wheel that looks and feels like it came off of a tractor. That thing weights a ton and thats why you can roll over boulders at idle. Even though I would have liked to have a lower ratio, stock is'nt that bad if you look at the whole picture.

[alvarorb]

Texas and Beowolf,

I think you guys are saying the same thing. If you want to go on rocks, you need to crawl. For the rest of the stuff, stock gearing is fine.

Alvaro

[TexasBadlands]

Yeah pretty much but it was fun arguing with him

[tabraha]

Alvaro, nice pic. Andy nice 40.

As for gearing, as one's threshold of performance grows so does ones need for gearing. No two ways to slice that with any trail going vehicle. FJC, 40, 100,.....
Even if the trail is no rock garden if there is elevation change those low gears can turn a descent into a picnic.


Andy, good call on the cruiser cred comment. I enjoyed that one.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Every Cruiserhead in the universe would buy one, even Beowulf. As is, it's a nice vehicle, but it isn't that unique, except in looks.

I may buy one anyway. Ross will be driving in a couple of years and he'll get the Taco which would leave me with only Pristine and she's now a garage queen with the occassional trip to get some dirt under her nails.

-B-

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

I may buy one anyway. Ross will be driving in a couple of years and he'll get the Taco which would leave me with only Pristine and she's now a garage queen with the occassional trip to get some dirt under her nails.

-B-

You know-I was thinking "Pristine" needed some massaging to be pristine, again. Between you and Dan, you may start something with these FJCs. I have a garage full of Cruisers, so no FJC for me.