my brother has a 2006 F150 STX with 4.2L? V6.

how much can he tow from the bumper?
and if we added a hitch then how much good would it do?

 

Yes, it is a 4.2L.

Bumper: 76 lbs.
Hitch: 81 lbs.

Just kidding... 2wd or 4wd??

 

Looks like to be around 5000lbs for a short bed and 5600 for a long bed max towing capacity assuming it is an auto trans.

 

auto trans.
reg cab short bed.
so the max is 5k LBS.?

 

Yeah, soft suspension, small brakes and light front end don't lend themselves too well to towing. That same truck setup with a 4.6 is good for about 7k just because of the difference in suspension and engine/driveline weight. Most trailers with a load of any significance will overpower the V6. Sorry man.

 

That being said... Those #'s were showroom stock. If you add things like a trans cooler, Class 3 hitch and trailer brake setup, and rear end stiffening you could probably tow a little more, maybe squeeze out around 7k but I wouldn't press your luck.

 

grr i wish my truck would pull. its just a speedster.

 

A 4.2 "speedster"?

I own a 4.2 STX; love the truck, love the engine. But speedster it's not.

 

His '93 has a V8.

 

An honest question deserves an honest answer. But I'm not honest. IMO, anyone who tows with a bumper deserves what happens. Forget the stereos and buy a receiver. I have an 02 with a 4.2 and its OK out of the hole but sucks over the road. Pull the same boat up the same grade as my 73 390, second gear baby. On the flat road be preparred to use the 4 way flashers. Cruising stuff is not there. The truck will handle the weight and with the aid of trailer brakes are OK. Forget the rest. Be safe and cautious, loose the thought of the bumper ball.