Engine usage recommendation
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Panama City, Florida
Engine usage recommendation
Hello,
Just purchased a 1985 F-150, 300ci, 4x4, 4sp manual. My primary requirement was reliability and bullet proof operation and from what I have gleened from reading different threads this seems to have high approval in these areas. One thing though... I am still torn considering the 351W engine. I think the final decision should be based on how I plan on using the truck.
It will be pulling a smallish camper, somewhere in the 18-20ft length area. I don't care so much about acceleration but I do care about the top speed I would be able to obtain on interstate Hwys.
With a well built 300ci can I expect to hit, say 65mph, pulling such a trailer without any problems or negative effects on the engine or transmission or do I really need to go to a 351W, again reliability being the primary consideration.
Thanks for your advise,
Rgds
nonrev
Just purchased a 1985 F-150, 300ci, 4x4, 4sp manual. My primary requirement was reliability and bullet proof operation and from what I have gleened from reading different threads this seems to have high approval in these areas. One thing though... I am still torn considering the 351W engine. I think the final decision should be based on how I plan on using the truck.
It will be pulling a smallish camper, somewhere in the 18-20ft length area. I don't care so much about acceleration but I do care about the top speed I would be able to obtain on interstate Hwys.
With a well built 300ci can I expect to hit, say 65mph, pulling such a trailer without any problems or negative effects on the engine or transmission or do I really need to go to a 351W, again reliability being the primary consideration.
Thanks for your advise,
Rgds
nonrev
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 260
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From: Mankato, MN
With a well built 300? What do you mean by that exactly? I know my old 300 with it's emission systems and 1 bbl towed a snowmobile over 70 mph with no trouble... Transmissions and engines from this era are for the most part pretty stout.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
The 1981 manual states NOT to tow with manual transmissions at all.
They installed 300-6's in F-350s so the engine isn't the problem. It's the rear end gearing and transmission that I'd consider.
3.25 rear end with a C6 with the 300 would be a good choice.
Most of these trucks were geared for 55mph the national maximum speed when they were built. So something else to consider.
They installed 300-6's in F-350s so the engine isn't the problem. It's the rear end gearing and transmission that I'd consider.
3.25 rear end with a C6 with the 300 would be a good choice.
Most of these trucks were geared for 55mph the national maximum speed when they were built. So something else to consider.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Florence, SC
Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer
Most of these trucks were geared for 55mph the national maximum speed when they were built.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: New Zealand
nonrev321
What transmission do you have in the truck now?
If it's an NP435 or a T18, it will take all you can throw at it.
If it's a 4spd overdrive transmission, they're pretty limited in capacity.
I think the conservative approach over towing & ratings, even with the heavier-duty manual transmissions, was just a warranty precaution.
Having a torque converter, automatic transmissions reduced shock loads on the drive-train; & reduced stress on the engine because of guaranteed downshifting - all regardless of driver habits.
Not that manual trucks had lower capability......but they weren't automatically safeguarded against abuse.
But, I digress
.......your question was engine options.
What transmission do you have in the truck now?
If it's an NP435 or a T18, it will take all you can throw at it.
If it's a 4spd overdrive transmission, they're pretty limited in capacity.
I think the conservative approach over towing & ratings, even with the heavier-duty manual transmissions, was just a warranty precaution.
Having a torque converter, automatic transmissions reduced shock loads on the drive-train; & reduced stress on the engine because of guaranteed downshifting - all regardless of driver habits.
Not that manual trucks had lower capability......but they weren't automatically safeguarded against abuse.
But, I digress
.......your question was engine options.
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Senior User
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From: Panama City, Florida
Hi, Its an NP435.... I'm not quite sure what to make of 81-Fords observation that there should be no towing at all with a manual transmission... can that be right?
Rgds
Rgds
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Cargo Master
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From: New Zealand
I don't know about the 81 handbook.
My 1983 owners manual just recommends automatic transmissions for towing........ although it does specifically say - DON'T tow in overdrive, with the 4spd overdrive transmission.
Durability was an issue with those.
I'm a bit fussy with my truck, but I'd have no reservations about heavier towing with a granny 4spd in it (in fact, I'm putting an NP435 into it in two weeks).
My 1983 owners manual just recommends automatic transmissions for towing........ although it does specifically say - DON'T tow in overdrive, with the 4spd overdrive transmission.
Durability was an issue with those.
I'm a bit fussy with my truck, but I'd have no reservations about heavier towing with a granny 4spd in it (in fact, I'm putting an NP435 into it in two weeks).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
Page 146: 1981 F-series owners guide: (5) Minimum optional equipment: do not tow trailers with manual transmission equipped vehicles.
I agree that it's probably a warantee issue when the truck was new. They were probably replacing too many clutches under warantee.
I agree that it's probably a warantee issue when the truck was new. They were probably replacing too many clutches under warantee.
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