Djezrock

Would like some help/advise. I just bought a 97 f-150 4.6L 4x4 super cab. I am just trying to identify the options. I found a nice chart that helps decode the sticker on the door jam (thanks forum)
I believe I do have the tow package. Correct me if I am wrong but cooler on the left is for transmission and on the right is power steering? On picture two, drivers side, what is leaking? Oh, should ther not be some kind of screen or something in front of these to protect from rocks etc? They seem rather exposed.

Djezrock

I could only upload two pictures last post so I wanted to add a picture of truck plus ask a question about towing.
The truck has a Gvwr of 6000lbs so loaded truck, passengers, gas accessories etc but not trailer. How heavy of a trailer may I tow?

Thanks all.

IMG]https://www.f150forum.com/members/djezrock-133721/albums/97-f150/65423-image.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry not working. Image too large. Will try adding later.

Djezrock

ok resized picture and this one should work. I want to buy a travel trailer, nothing too big I am thinking 4000lbs should be safe but will do more research and figure it out.

akdoggie

1997 with 4.6, 4x4, 3:55 rear posi, w/at o/d, has a pulling capacity of 6600 pounds when using appropriate tongue weight. You are plenty safe with smaller travel trailer. Don't forget to consider the water, grey and black water tanks, propane and everything you carry into your weight calculations.

97blackbeast

I may be wrong but i also have a 97 with a factory tow package and my tranny cooler is built into my radiator...

Signal 2

My guess is that at least one of those high-pressure lines have failed.
Maybe need a cleaning, but the coolers actually look in pretty good shape for a 15 yr old truck IMO.

Djezrock

Thanks for your input everyone! Very appreciated.
Should overdrive be off all the time when pulling heavy weight or just over hills?

akdoggie

Depends on how your truck reacts to the weight and the road conditions. If it keeps downshifting from OD then turn off the OD switch. It will be better on your transmission if it doesn't go back and forth constantly. A steady pull is much easier on the trans than the up down up down of OD engaging and releasing over and over.

akdoggie

The two hoses for the PS are definitely seeping at the flange fittings. This is not a severe problem They can be cleaned and then sprayed with a sealer from Permatex. NO LEAK (I believe this is the correct name). It is a clear spray sealer that you can use to stop small seepages like yours. For the age, your coolers look good. I would definitely call it an towing or offroad package with transmission and p/steering coolers both mounted. Does yours have skid plates?

Djezrock

Thanks for identifying that and the suggestion. Will try that.

Yes, this truck I did notice had skid plates which I was plesantly surprised to see. :-)

Here is a picture of the hitch. sorry bad picture but it looks fairly heavy duty with a long triangle type brace attaching to the frame.