bradseabridge

Whats up guys I been lurking for a while on here. I got a 97 4.2l f-150 with the manual tranny and 3.08 gears in the rear or whatever.

I want a real towing number for the truck I ask because I have towed my boat to my marina from my house one time (there and back) the boat weighs 4800+ when gassed up and everything. My marina is 10miles from my house, let me also say I did this before I looked in my manual and GASPED! my ranger has a higher towing capacity than this truck. What I want to know is will I be relatively okay towing my boat to the marina probably less than once a week in the summer? I can't believe I bought a truck with a lower capacity than my old ranger that it replaced.

Also a little introduction, I'm 21 y/o and have been a car guy for as long as I can remember. I used to be on a forum for Ford Rangers (I've had 3) and I had over 2000 posts there before there was "server issues" and it has now gone away for a long time. Also I was over at f150online.com and they are the biggest set of *******s I have ever met, they are worst than the vwvortex.com site I was on when I had my Jetta VR6 cammed up. I have been lurking and decided I would join this site over all the other f150 sites I have found for the lack of douchbaggedry.

Thanks,
-Brad

Good old Bill

Welcome to the site, I drive a 4.2 auto with 3.55. Does fine down hill, level with no head win, its OK. Other than that, well I'm retired and have the rest of my life. I do feel sorry for the line of rigs behind me.

In spite of what could be called criticism, its a great truck. Sitting on 213K, same mileage as new, maybe close to one quart between 5k oil changes. This engine has to use 5W20 or the upper end will clatter untill the engine is at full temp.

Lets see what other comments are, and again welcome.

bobkyle2

hey man... ive got an 02 modelt... 3.55 with the auto... i pull just as much weight at more...than all the v8's...never had any real problems... i moved a bachoe 45 miles back when i was in highschool with it... for my shop teacher... and it pulled it fine.. it was all on flat ground... only one hill... and it did ok considering the circumstances...just didnt like stopping it....and i used to pull a 78 chevy with a big block and 1ton axles and 42 inch tires... all over a couple states with it and it did fine

But i think that 3.08 and manual is going to hurt you.. my buddy had a 97 with the 5 speed and it didnt pull very well.. but if you watch what your doing you will do fine...

i now have a 08 4.2 auto 3.73s i pull my 18 foot bass boat about 5 or 6 times a week with no problems

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

i would bet the low towing numbers have alot to do with the 3.08 gears and the manual trans. i know the M50D R1 in the rangers are known for being somewhat weak, but i havent heard that about the R2 in the F-150's, in fact they tend to be really reliable but typically manuals are rated to pull less than an auto.

PS. what ranger site were you on? ORR?

bradseabridge

Yeah I was on ORR until it **** the bed.

revhead347

I have an 02' 5 speed 4.2 with the tow package so it comes with 3.55 gears. I've pulled trailers in excess of 6000lbs with absolutely no problems. If anything, it's probably the gears that are hurting you. Don't be concerned with the 5 speed. Ford just rates the autos higher to sell a $1500 option. Towing a lot of weight with an auto on a regular basis isn't a very good idea. I can't remember exactly what the frame is rated to, but it's over 8000 lbs.

Kurt

Jo's97F1502wd

Yah, ive lots of stuff mine shes does fine. I plan to upgrade to some 4:10 gears soon.BTW: its a 4.2

Old_Skl_Raptr

you should be fine with your boat and the short distance. but i wouldnt try much more than that. a 4.2 with 3:08s isnt the best towing platform at all hahaha

bobkyle2

my 02 has 142k has only been to the dealer twice for a recall...never had a drive train issue and 50k of them miles has ben pulling a 18 foot trailor with a heavy truck on it...

An auto is better than a 5speed...if the truck is equipt to tow...you are ok... as in if your going to town often upgrade to the biggest trans cooler you can find...be sure to do proper maintence on the truck.. btw...your maintence intervals are shortter when you tow...

Most the time you can only tow as much weight as the driver can handle

Old_Skl_Raptr

so true. ive towed way over the max of my truck. you just have to be smart about it and not care if people behind you get pissed or not