gpops

I've read through threads on this forum and others in the past few months, but would like some advice to prevent future headaches.

I'm looking for a pre 1984 or 1987-1996 4x4 manual F150 with the 4.9L I6 (avoid feedback carbs). It'll be my daily driver, towing a food cart, and hauler for firewood. From reading online, the manual transmission hurts the towing rating. All the trucks I see have 2.73 or 3.08 gearing which won't cut it.

Necessary upgrade:

• Re-gear to 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 (or swap front 3rd member and replace rear axle suggested as the least expensive option and something I could do easier myself) (4.9L runs best at low RPM so 3.55 wins? 4.10 may rev too high on the interstate)

What I think I might need:

• Dana 60 axle > 44 (probably not a big deal...)
• Upgrade transmission to ZF5 (ones I've seen have M5OD) (also saw a DIY guide to add tranny cooler with pump)

I don't want to hurt my transmission and trying to think ahead as much as I can. I'm probably overthinking, but I want to own this truck for years (reason I'm choosing the 4.9 for durability). Have I covered everything I need to look for in the ideal truck? Is there anything else to consider?

Other threads I found helpful:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/24...-capacity.html

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

The manual transmission seriously hurts your legal towing capacity - as does the I6.
It might be possible to get the truck rated higher - since it sounds like it will be a commercial truck, you may be able to have it inspected and rated by a shop that does that.
Here the trucks get a yellow sticker that's good for a year it ascertains the legal GCVW for a commercial vehicle.
Worth talking to the guys at a commercial truck shop and get their advice - you should be able to bank on their advice.

88xlt

How heavy is your food cart? In what manner(long distance, short distance with many stops, etc.) will you be towing it?

I have the 300 6 cylinder engine with the Mazda 5 speed and 3.08 gears and stock size 2.35 75R 15 tires in my '88 F-150 and I don't think it is geared too fast for towing.

gpops

I will look into whether there is a way to get it rated higher. Thank you for pointing this out. It's been hell trying to find a truck last few months that's perfect. I may give up on the 4.9 and look for 7.3 diesel, although learning a diesel engine opens up new troubles for me haha More research todo...

The cart weighs 6000-7000lbs. I'd be pulling it a short distance, and leaving it parked all day. Thanks for sharing your set up. My concern with 3.08 gears is that it'll barely make it up hills (from what I've read). I'm hoping to set this up in Vermont (where there are plenty of mountains and hills to climb haha).

gpops

On the driver side door sticker, I can't find the GCVWR. It only shows GVWR, which doesn't include trailer weight. How can I find the GCVWR?

88xlt

I don't know your terrain or your traffic, but the nice thing about a manual transmission is you can always shift down a gear. Personally if I was concerned I would consider a 351 engine.

FWIW I pulled about a 14,000 lb. loaded fertilizer spreader 15 miles with moderate hills part paved road and part gravel road with no problems with my '88 f-150. I wouldn't want to get going over 40 MPH for safety reasons. The law doesn't bother us here in farm country.

jkenprice1

I had an I-6 with a 5 speed. It's no fun starting on a hill with one foot on the clutch and the other on the brake and accelerator. I'd get an automatic

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

You're going to need something more in the range of a 5.0 auto with 4:10 gears to tow that legally with the factory GCVW. I don't think you'll get a 4.9 to do it (legally).
With the 5.0 auto, 4:10 will give 12,500 - 3:55 will only give you 11,500. Truck weighs about 4500.

David Young

I can really feel the 1,200lbs of my boat when i take it to the lake. I'm glad i had a hitch put on our 285 hp Edge. I use the 91 F150 as a back up vehicle when it comes to the boat.

Pulling 6,000lbs + will be too much. It will pull it for a while but not for a long while

MidSouthMitch

FWIW: I believe you said that you're looking for a 4X4- Many came with 3.55 gears already.