1980 F-150 towing a 5,000lb+ van?

[Boss351Bronco88]

Just because there is more than 5 lugs on the axles, doesnt nescessarily make it a so called 3/4 ton or 1 ton.all the 80s-present small Toyotas, Mazdas, Nissan-Datsuns, Mitsubushis all had/have 6 lug axles. they are still considered a light-duty compact p/u. Yes they did/do have "Heavy Duty" versions...My Uncle would pull 9,000lbs with his 98 GMC Sonoma 4x4. He managed over 313k miles out of the 4.3L V6, but couldnt understand why it kept overheating and thats why he got rid of it...but he at least stepped up to a F150 lol. I did some research and this is what I found 1987 Toyota p/u: 3550lbs 1987 Toyota p/u "1-ton" cab & chassis V-6: 5000lbs 1992 Mazda B220: 2000lbs 1993 Nissan Hardbody p/u: 3500lbs 1987 Mitsu Mighty Max: 1000lbs Bronco's are rated for 5k I believe...but I wont ever tow with other than hauling my quad. With a short a wheel base, a heavy trl will push it around. I attempted to haul my buddies old Geo Tracker on a tow dolly with my old Aerostar SWB. 3.0 V6, A4LD auto, 3.45s. from Detroit area to Hillsdale MI, 2hr drive. On the flat city streets it was fine, but the first set of hills I came to...Trans overheated so fast, there was a Niagra Falls of Dextron III dumping from it. we were able to limp it there, but the damage was done, burnt up 1st gear, smoked the soleniod pack for the Lock-up converter, And No, I didnt use OD. and even without a load after that. the trans could and would overheat and dump fluid. but the hitch, and the van was rated for 3500lbs. the Tracker only weighed in about 2500lbs. My trans just wasnt up to the task as the motor and hitch were. So another thing to consider is the shape of both vehicles mechanical wise. Because the tow ratings in the owners manual are what a brand new, tip-top shape mechcanically vehicle should be able to accomplish. the tow ratings are what the vehicle can SAFELY pull, with out damage to the vehicle, when PROPERLY EQUIPPED...brake controller, trl brakes if required. Sure I also hauled over 1300lbs of landscaping rocks in my 92 S10, but I ruined the shocks and Luckily the tires didnt blow out. Never will I overload anything again.