Hi all, I'm new to the forum I've looked on for advice in the past but just searching the web and now I've joined hoping to get more personalized advice on what I should do with my F150.

I have a 1993 Ford F150 4x4 with 5 speed manual and 302. I'm looking to improve the towing on my pickup, I don't tow often but I tow a late 90's 30' pull camper when I do. It's become harder and harder for it to tow the trailer especially where I take it there are several hills and it seems to be at it's capacity. The engine is at 158k miles with fairly low oil pressure and compression, but no leaks. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it has the 3.55 gears.

I'm looking for people's opinions on whether I should rebuild the 302, replace the 302, gear swap to 4.10, or any combination of those or any other options I've looked past. Suspension wise I've already changed out front and rear springs to 1 ton but haven't changed to heavier or solid axle. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

P.S. I know I could buy a 250 or 350 but I like my f150 and after enough parts have been swapped it will eventually be one.

 

Back when I had a 92 about the same configuration as yours for work. By about the 150k mark the motor was getting worn out, so I'd say get an Explorer motor with the p heads and rebuild that. With a decent build you could get about 50 to 75 more hp vs what you have, that might just be enough. The 4.10 gears would also make a world of difference.

 

Drop a 460 in and you can tow anything, your MPG will take a hit but you won't have problems on any hills. Remember that there is no replacement for displacement.

I would upgrade the suspension first though, last thing you need is to not have enough stability on a curvy/hilly road. Also keep your brakes in check. Regardless of upgrades done to the truck if you get in an accident (or pulled over) they take the rated tow capacity from the manufacturer into account, not what the truck can actually handle, for this reason I would recommend getting a truck that is rated to handle the camper, or a camper that falls within the ratings of your current truck. Another thing to keep in mind is that 2wd is rated higher than 4x4 for towing capacity.

Check the axle code on the door jamb to find out what gearing you have.

 

Your towing capacity is only 3200lbs max on a 4x4 302 5 speed! With a 30ft trailer....your way over loaded and risking yourself and everyone on the road. Your going to have to make major changes. You would be better off finding another truck. The 5 speed and 4x4 are the weak links in your rig. Both reduce towing capacity. Look at the tow chart for your truck online and consider the legal issues that go along with running over loaded.

 

FYI - Your '93 has a crappy camshaft from the factory.

At the bare minimum, upgrading to the 94-96 F150/96-01 Explorer-Mountaineer cam (all the same) would give you a bit more towing power.

 

Thank you, i looked into the legal side of it and the specs of my pickup, I'm going to look for a larger pickup more suited for towing and probably do a simple rebuild on the 302 in the f150 and keep it for daily driving and lighter hauling.

 

I will also look into that when rebuilding the 302, thanks

 

That is a great decision.

 

That is a good idea on buying another truck.

For your 302 rebuild, here is a thread I created for everyone to use as a reference: https://www.f150forum.com/f10/bit-in...l-302s-276512/

 

..