So I bought a 1991 F150 302 E40D with 3/4 ton suspension 3.55 gears axle code 19, 230, 000 KMS last year to start up my landscaping business. Things are going great and I want to buy a dump trailer....

I think my real question is if you all think I would be ok pulling a 3.5 ton dump with my truck? I know the 302 doesn't make a lot of low end power which is what I'm worried about. The truck came with electric brake hookups so that should be ok i think.

I put a ton (2000lbs) of aggregate in my bed probably every week and notice slightly but not too bad. Mostly I notice the truck sitting back a little bit in the rear.

Any suggestions of mods to make some low end power and make hauling a trailer a little easier on my truck or should I just go and drop in a 351? Is it pretty easy? Tranny cooler is a must?

Any info would be great!

Thx

 

I pull my trailer loaded with tools every day and sometimes also load up materials in the bed. I only have 1/2 ton suspension and the 4.9 six.

 

After doing my research yeah a 4.9L might have been a better idea. How much would you say your trailer weighs?

 

getting lower gears would help alot. or higher, i dunno. 4.10s, 4.56s, etc

 

I'd be more concerned w/ tongue weight than gross.

 

Would 4.10 or 4.56 gears kill my MPG with 31" tires? Think I'd be able to cruise on the hwy? That is an option.

Sorry for all the questions, this is my first truck. From what I know tongue weight is like 15% of gross trailer weight so say 15% of 8000 lbs (max) is 1200lbs tongue weight. I know i can put at least 2000lbs in the bed but do you think 1200lbs on the hitch is to much?

I'm beginning to think that ill go for it.

 

Just load it up. Its a Ford it can take it. If you are worried about tongue weight, get some add a leafs, they work great and it usually only takes me an hr to install both, I just put in a set in my ranger today it only took less than an hr.

 

I don't know what it weighs but I do know it only took a week or two to bend the brand new axle I put under it. This is what I keep in it, always:

 

4.10s would work nicely towing and cruising on the highway.

 

OK, first you mention the mileage in KMs - so I have to be sure we're talking the same units. A metric ton is 1000 kilograms or 2204.5 pounds, or about 1.10 US short tons (2000 lbs).

Not that it makes a great deal of difference. Most engines from that era are now viewed as severely underpowered by today's standards - emissions regulations really choked things down. IIRC, the 302 was rated for 185hp, the 351about 205hp.

One can play games with performance enhancing stuff (higher axle gear ratios, cams, etc), or one can just live with it. Suggest with the 3/4 ton suspension and the use of trailer brakes, you'll be OK - just not setting any records from PointA to PointB.

One needs to at least look at the cost of the mods, versus the cost of the extra time spent travelling. Given the high level of expected towing usage, suggest a tranny cooler would be a must. My rule #1 is to protect the equipment.

My primary goals are to be able to steer and to stop. Being able to move expediently, well, that's a bonus.

Just my opinion.