I have 3:31 gears. I lock out 6th gear routinely, sometimes 5th. I down shift to 4th at the bottom of a hill, sometimes down to 3rd if it's a long steep pull. Running straight and level I put it back in tow haul mode and set the cruise. Speed is usually at 65mph.

 

Yes. I routinely lock out 6th when I pull my 4500lbs TT even on a flat stretch of highway. I might lock out the 5th depending on speed and conditions (hills, curves, altitude etc). I find the transmission (in tow/haul) to be good at staying in the same ratio, unless you totally floor the pedal...

 

I did the Raptor Steering Mod, (Highly Recommended) I drive 99% of the time in "M" + "S". Sometimes on the interstate, I'll put it in "D" + "S".

The Truck is under my control instead of a computer deciding what gear it thinks is best!...5.0 & 3:73.

 

Most folks that have never driven a manual transmission do not realize that the computer is reacting to changes in the environment, direction , speed and grade. It is a delayed reaction. The computer can not anticipate and prepare for a 6% grade, or downshift prior to a 15 mph hair pin turn. It's why drivers get frustrated with the throttle lag and required input to the throttle to get the needed downshift after making a sharp turn. By taking control of the shifter you eliminate much of the complaints about modern transmission protocol.

 

This is true for sure, I remember watching a review (don't remember by who) about the manual vs auto mustangs. Despite the auto technically shifting faster they found when doing corners/curves etc the manual was better as the driver could be in the 'right' gear faster as they knew what they wanted before entering the corner vs the computer figuring it out while in the corner.

 

Absolutely, the computer doesn't see the curve a 1/4 mile up the road, or the hill, or the traffic opening that is moments away from happening...and a 3-pedal manual is just more fun....All these reasons are why I miss my manual trans every single day....Someday, I will have a 5.0L Coyote pickup with a manual tranny...someday...

 

Quick question, after adding shift select and now using a dash with the LCD screen instead of the 2 line basic one, it seems that the indicated mileage is not accurate. Not only am I seeing a difference of >10% indicated mileage, I am also seeing that the fuel used (Gal or Litres) is different as well. Is there a setting in Forscan that I may have overlooked when I installed the new dash?

PS
I hope it is ok to post this question here!!

 

When using M is that a lock out of higher gears or does the truck actually stay in that gear even if you slow down? i.e. if I set it for 3rd or 4th gear to go down an old dirt road will it shift down when I come to a spot where I almost come to a complete stop before turning and going up a hill or will it stay in 4th? Not in a 4 wheel drive situation, if that matters, just driving down an old dirt road by my house.

Does it lug down and stall like a manual would or does the computer automatically avoid that?

I don't think I'd use M that much but it would be worth knowing. I've never had a vehicle with an actual manual shift option. My salesman said he would use M when he was towing through the hills but it sounded like he was locking it out of using any gears over 6 rather than manually shifting up and down as needed.

 

it's super easy to test.
If you leave it in M mode, it's in the gear you select. You can use M mode on more than dirt roads. It can also be used on new roads, and new dirt roads.
I use it on windy uphills to lock 2nd or 3rd gear. There are times when the curve is too tight and I'm slowing down to where the trans needs a shift. At that point, I am in control and must shift for it.
I'm at my kitchen table, but I think if you stop it will drop to 1st gear though. If you lock it in 5th gear and cruse through town, you are still in 5th.
Again, at my kitchen table, but there may be a strategy that forces a down shift at some point. I don't remember though if there is logic to protect us from ourselves. I can assure you though that if you are 'driving' in M with a specific gear, you are going to remain in that gear while in motion.

 

In M mode, When you slow down, it will downshift by itself to keep the engine from lugging. In your example, if you leave it in 4th and then come to a complete stop, it will eventually downshift by itself if you don't do it. Also, if you're going 10mph, it wont let you manually shift to 5th gear, etc... Now, I havnt tested this on my F150, but on my BMW, if you floor the pedal, it will also upshift by itself when you hit the rev limiter if you dont do it manually.