I know what you mean about listening to the engine upon dropping to third for inclines and such. Before the programmer and tuning I was kicking down for slight inclines. I've at least eliminated that a vast majority of the time. I also think a gear swap will help this out a bit more too since it won't be under a strain for a slight incline.
My last Ranger had 4.10's and a 5-spd auto. it was a perfect combination; I just wish I had this set up in the 150.
By the way, Jack.... Thanks for the tip about the excel file Bill posted; it's a big help. Bill out does himself with the helpful tools like that.
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Current mods: AEM Bruteforce CAI, Magnaflow SI/DO, Gryphon-87 & 93 tunes, Harley head lamps, tinted windows, lower grille filler, and FX2 lower valance.