Hello,

I need to know the towing capacity for a 1987 2 WD, Long Bed, F150 with inline six cylinder and 4 speed with granny gear. I would check the owners manual, but it is long-gone. Also, the rear-end gear ratio is unknown.

Specifically, I need to tow a 16' flatbed trailer (with electric brakes) and a tractor reasonably short distances (approximately 25 miles, not too many hills). The trailer weighs approximately 2000# and the tractor weighs approximately 4000#.

Will this truck be able to handle this trip?

Thanks for the guidance.

 

I had an `88 F150 with inline 6 , granny gear (4 speed borg-warner T18) with an axle code of 18 , or 3.08 rears. My towing capacity was only 2000 lbs, so i sold the truck and bought one up for the job of towing my 24 foot Prowler. You need more truck!

Sty

 

I think your 3.08 axle ratio is the serious limiter there. If this gent has, say, a 3.78 or higher, I should think he could do it. Does this 87 truck have a tow package?

 

Hey guys.

Thanks for the advice.

I am not certain about the gear ratio in the truck, but I talked to the former owner, and he said he thought it had a 3.55. He was pretty certain that it was not 3.08. As for the question about whether or not it has a towing package, it does not appear to have a factory towing package. The hitch and wiring look like aftermarket parts.

This discussion has led me to a couple more questions. Is there any way to positively identify the gear ratio from the VIN # or the axle? Also, if it does turn out to be 3.55, do you think I will be in decent shape, or should I consider going up to 3.73 or possibly 4.10?

Thanks again for your advice.

 

You can look on the sticker on the door jamb, it will have an axle code. Post it here or call a dealer, they will look it up for you in the parts department. Or, you can crawl under the truck, there SHOULD be a tag on the rear diff. There should be a series of numbers 5 or 6 and then something like 3 55, 3L55, 4 10, 4L10. The L stands for limited slip and is placed where the period would be.

Or, another way is to jack up the rear end. Make a mark on the differential and the yoke or driveshaft. Also make a mark on the tire and floor. While someone counts the driveshaft, turn a wheel 10 times. Divide the number of revolutions that the driveshaft made by 10, that's your gear ratio. It takes out the possibility of someone changing the gears and not telling anyone.

 

Check out this link , it may provide some useful info for you

http://www.fordsix.com/trucktranny.htm

Sty