When to shift...

[sportz6372]

I have a 1999 2.5L 4cyl 5 speed Ranger. it doesnt have a tach so its kind of hard to know when the right time to shift is so i can get the best gas mileage. I can sort of tell by speeds and the engine noise, but around what speeds do you all shift at. Thanks

[RangerRover]

Do it by feel.. for power shift when you feel the engine "Flatspot" accelleration (accell doesnt pull as much, shift to the next gear) for gas milage if you can skip gears it will save gas, and shift at lower speeds rather than higher.

[89AccordHatch]

1st

15mph=2nd
25-30mph=3rd
40-45mph=4th
55-60mph=5th

[bd2988]

in the ranger manual it says (for best gas mileage)
1st to 2nd 12mph
2nd to 3rd 22mph
3rd to 4th 33mph
4th to 5th 41mph
I shift maybe a little higher than this (2-3mph higher) and I get about 21 mpg in my 93 ranger 3.0l v6.

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by 89AccordHatch

1st

15mph=2nd
25-30mph=3rd
40-45mph=4th
55-60mph=5th

This matches my shifting habits pretty close. I get about 23-24mpg.

[Marbles1984]

1st-22mph
2nd-35mph
3rd-45mph
4th-55mph
5th-70mph


I redline my gears =)

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by bd2988

I get about 21 mpg in my 93 ranger 3.0l v6.

21mpg? ahh i remember 21mpg that was like 65,000 miles ago. now i get 15 to 17