I don't think so. My boss's second gen auto dies dead on at 2500. I haven't redlined the 5 speed but it pulls past 2700.

 

TLRMAN - Thanks for your offer, I really appreciate it! It would be very helpful to get together, and have someone more familiar than myself with a stock 1st gen give the truck a look over and drive. Will send you my contact number. I am in Kirkland, Washington and should only be about 25 or so minutes from you.
I fully intend to get a pyro/boost gauge and a few other items in the near future. I already bought the TST products KDP kit and want to get that installed soon. After towing my trailer the other day, I just realize I need to make sure that the current state of performance in totally stock setup is the norm before I go putting additional time and cash into the truck. The truck runs, starts and goes down the road rock solid so I was really caught off guard when towing with it for the first time. Need to make sure it is performing as it should and the truck will meet my very basic towing needs. For me, I would just like to be able to climb at least mild grades pulling 5K at 65 MPH in 5th. With 4.10s and stock tires, towing regularly in 4th really is not an option with a top speed of 55 or so (with the motor screaming lol). At least in my opinion anyway. I also looked through the original owners manual I have and I could not see where it said to tow in 4th gear as others have mentioned? Seems most tow in 5th normally and use 4th as required by the steepness of grade.

Thanks to everyone's comments and feedback, I have read them all a couple times. This is a great place with lots of collective knowledge from everyone. It makes me feel better to know others have experienced a similar towing situation. Sounds like the factory governor spring, 4.10s and the 21cm exhaust housing are behind what I experienced towing for the first time. I take it the 3200 spring is probably the only update I would want to make before getting my pyro gauge installed.

 

Thinking about it, I think BGilberts comment about checking the AFC function would be a good thing to do. You said you weren't getting any smoke and with the 21, if that's what it has, it should give you some at WOT. If the pin that rides the fuel pin ramp is stuck in it's bore you would be getting minimal fuel all the time and it would be pretty doggy. While you're in there you can turn the fuel pin to the deepest side, it's safe to do that without gauges and the 3200 spring is safe without gauges as well. Both of those things will make a difference.

 

The motor is completely stock and I assumed the 21cm housing is what it would have come with from the factory. Is this not the case? What would I look for to positively identify? Is there a stamped number on the turbo or housing to look for. When I go WOT with the truck empty, the truck accelerates quickly (but no noticeable smoke I can see behind me). Would I still get good acceleration while empty if the fuel pin is frozen?

 

depending on the build date it could have the 21 or the 18 I believe. You need a mirror to see the cast in numbers on the back side of the turbine.

 

+1 and my truck is grandpaw stock (except for the 4" exhaust from the manifold aft)

I run OEM sized tires and my truck easily tows my 5,500# boat/trailer in fifth, even up grades (and turns 18-19 mpg too)

 

What gear ratio is in your truck?

 

My dads 95 was the same way 2500 redline truck was a complete dog too. Hit a deer wrote it off bought a 96 standard n way nicer my 90 still has more ***** though but dads 96 will go to 3200rpm's stock.

 

Wait till you see my truck... I will talk to you this weekend..

 

Looking forward to it!

 

Let me know I'll show up to help.

 

I think one of the things that people forget (or did not have to suffer with) was that when these trucks were manufactured the National speed limit was 55 mph. (you "kids" out there missed that!) That said, the Dealership I worked in in Montana, also had a Dealership in Idaho. We had a snappy new new red and white 5 speed std. cab dually. We pulled a 3 car 5th wheel back and forth LOADED!. 55 was about all it woud do, and it was SLOW over the mountains. BUT, it always ran, it got great mileage, and was Aces over the Ford that we had previously.
Mine is modified, and the only thing I fight now is smoke. Which I think is excessive for my mods. Keep EVERYTHING you change!

 

Yep booooooooone stock like an old grandpa.

Dar

 

sorry for the delay, my final ratio is 3.54

 

I got a 1990 w250 new in 1990, it only had the 3 speed Auto Trans. Foot to the mat it would only do 63. You did not need Cruz just a brick. But it would get 23-24 MPG all day. Part of the problem with MPG today is that "they" have taken all the power out of the fuel. Try some Red off road fuel, but I did not tell you too.