SR2K

So I've read the manual and according to it my truck can only tow 3,000lbs with the 4.6L V8, 5 Speed, 4x4 with 3.55 Axles, while the exact same set up on an auto can do 6,000lbs.

What is the weak link here? Its the transmission or clutch really that weak? Do they just assume people don't know how to drive stick and underrate the system? How much can I safely tow with my truck?

ThrottleOut

I suspect this is the biggest issue here. I had someone tell me that he had issues with his F150 and the clutch needing to be replaced a few times. I think a lot of that has to do with how you drive it.

Did you have something in mind you wanted to tow or were you just wondering?

SR2K

Looking at towing this:

On a double axle trailer, total weight of everything comes in around 5,500lbs.

03FX4604

Correct me if in wrong but aren't manuals traditionally supposed to be able to tow more than autos?

I do know that the clutch in the m5 tranny was only rated for 3 or 4k.

ibd2328

iTrader: (2)

Traditonally, yes... Only because you can engage the engine at any rpm.

However, lets look at a few things.
Gear ratio (higher # = geared lower)
5.4 - 4.6
1st 2.84 - 3.9
2nd 1.55 - 2.25
3rd 1.0 - 1.49
4th .7 - 1.00
5th N/A - .80

But don't forget, autos have torq. converters...
The 5.4's ratio is 1.9, so now multiple all gear ratios by 1.9 to get the true ratios. *Remember, higher # = geared higher = more off the line rpm*

5.4 - 4.6
1st 5.396 - 3.9
2nd 2.945 - 2.25
3rd 1.9 - 1.49
4th 1.33 - 1.00
5th N/A - .80

So, given the 5.4 has an additional 60ft lbs of torque, it is also geared much much lower than the 5 speed in the 4.6L.
Note: this is also assuming the trucks have the 3.55 diff. to make it a fair comparison.

The suspension and frame should all be the same. Realistically speaking

Frank_Ford

In my 98 with a 5 speed the weak link in the drive train is the clutch. On a number of occasions I have had jobs where I needed to exceed the 3000 towing capacity and it was hard on the clutch to the point that I could smell the clutch disk burning. I use my truck for my business and I only exceed the load limits when I have to. I put a new clutch in it 3 years ago and it is holding up fine except for the issues I just discussed. I know, however, that I am pushing my luck and it will fail on me if I continue to abuse it. The cost of the new clutch is around $1,200 and it is not a job that you want to DIY unless you have a really nice and well equipped garage.

SR2K

Yeah, the PO had a new clutch put in just before I got the truck, it has less than 10,000mi on it at the moment. I don't know if they just put in a stock replacement or upgraded it, I can ask them next time I'm in the area.

It seems annoying that my F150 has a 1,000lbs less towing capacity than the Ranger it replaced.

CKing

I have the same truck only with the 3.73 gears. Ive pulled cherry pickers that weighed a good 2-2.5 tons and my truck did fine. I didn't go a huge distance, but the truck pulled like a champ. It didn't like it and it was slow getting up to speed, but it'll do just fine for you.

M&D

1st gear is the main thing. If you look at manual trans super duties for instance they have a granny gear to get rolling from a stop (and a much beefier clutch) - with a normal first gear your clutch will hate life towing over capacity.

CKing

Hook it up and pull it. Like I said, mine did fine and it has 33x12.5 mud tires on it.