Going to rebuild 5.0 in 85' f150. Goig to be pulling a trailer most of the time. Any advice?

 

Start with a 351.

OK.. maybe you don't want to do that. The 5.0 has potential but forget about trying to get sufficient low rpm TQ out of it.. ain't gonna happen. The solution is to let the motor breath a little better(HO or F4TE cam and full exhaust system) and then gear the truck so the motor is turning at least 2000rpm at your typical towing speed.

 

What size tires do you have?

What transmission do you have?

What gear ratio do you have in the rearend?

How heavy is the trailer and it's cargo going to be?

Will this be short local trips, or long hauls?

 

Pulling 7'x14' cargo trailer around town. (4,000 to 6,000lbs) no idea on what uner it. will have to look later.

 

No oversize tires, no overdrive tranny, and a 4.11 rear gear, and you will pull it easily.

 

5 speed trans. No oversized tires. Mostley around town pulling.

 

Check what gear you have. If you have the Mazda 5 speed(most f150's did) you can run it and see how long it lasts, the 4.11 will help it last longer. If it goes out, you can swap in a zf 5 speed from a f250/350, and that will probably be the last tranny you put in.