JLEE05

Hey guys,
I just purchased an 88 2wd swb f150, with a 5.0l with 134k miles, and 3.55 rear gear.
The guy I bought it from had already installed "super springs", class 4 receiver, and break controller.
I tow a 16x7ft enclosed trailer, with all my karting stuff weighs about 5500lbs. What upgrades or modifications would every one recommend to pull the trailer easier. I just started last night pulling the motor to rebuild it and change the cam to possibly the comp cams 31-155-5.....any other ideas?? (going from 2011 f150 ecoboost to 88 f150)


thanks in advance!!

qdeezie

https://www.f150forum.com/f10/bit-in...l-302s-276512/

AbbadonTD

Get a good weight balance/distributor. A $500 Weight distributor can do more for you that upgrading the trucks motor.

JLEE05

Truck doesn't sag in the rear. Just seems kinda gutless. The engine needed an over haul, so I'm gonna continue with that.
Wondering if changing to maybe a 4.10 gear would be beneficial. Here in TN we have quite a few inclines to tackle.

qdeezie

You can't be serious or you didn't completely read the OP's post. Which one is it?

qdeezie

4.10s and a limited slip differential or a Detroit TrueTrac differential would be great for towing.

dcrabby

What trans is in it?. I did a similar project a few years back on an 84 F150. Swapped front springs for those from an F250, and had the rear springs built to spec. Also installed 4.10:1 rear end and a Jegs E4OD w/converter spec'd for towing. Installed headers and dual exhaust with an X-pipe. Removed the cat . Installed an MSD. Did not mess with the EFI.

I could pull / tow.... Even entered it in tractor pulls (tractor against tractor) at county fair. Lots of laughs until I pulled 4 of 5.

It was actually a good ride, much less stiff than I expected/

The only downside was the trans shift was positive but HARD . I am sure it was the torque converter, but never figured it out as a south TX cowboy made me a purchase offer and I couldn't say no.

JLEE05

Truck has AOD trans. living where I do removing cats isnt an option.

sdmartin65

I'd second the 4.10's. Not sure about the cam number you listed but defiantly needs to be upgraded to roller. I've got a 95 same configuration as yours with 4.10's and a decent cam and it has great towing power. Might consider advancing the cam to match your towing rpm's, it won't be an Ecoboost but should do a decent job. Towing that much weight with a 302 you'll want the rpm's at least at 2500 cruising to stay in the power range.

JLEE05

The cam number is actually 31-255-5 (that was a typo).
what advantage would I have going to a roller setup? I've thought about it, but not sure if its worth the extra money to buy all new pieces.