4.9L Inline 6 Towing
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Tuned
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 396
Likes: 5
From: Ottawa, Canada
4.9L Inline 6 Towing
I have an 85 F-150 with the 4.9L Inline 6, with only 45,000 Miles. It has the 4 speed manual (4th being OD). I just recently got this truck and it has NEVER towed a pound in it's life. So I guess you could say it hasn't been "worn in" or actually worked before. I am wondering what the maximum amount I should be able to pull, on the highway without stressing anything too much.
-Also what were the towing ratings for the F-150 with the 4.9?
-Should I completely avoid using overdrive on the highway with a small 2,500 pound trailer (this includes the added items and junk loaded in it).
-Should I upgrade anything on the truck first before towing?
Thanks
-Also what were the towing ratings for the F-150 with the 4.9?
-Should I completely avoid using overdrive on the highway with a small 2,500 pound trailer (this includes the added items and junk loaded in it).
-Should I upgrade anything on the truck first before towing?
Thanks
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Jason, you'll get lots of other opinions & info on this in the 80-86 forum, too. Might even search the archives there to see how people have answered that in the past.
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
As far as weight for the engine, I've towed a car trailer loaded all over the country, around 6000# as best I can guess. Going up some hill, mountains it was fully floored, but most of the time 70 or so was no problem, once I got rolling.
Now I have a 24ft enclosed car hauler, takes a little more pedal for the same speed. Think it's a 355 rear end.
Can't tell you about the handling since this is a 3/4 ton with a c6 tranny.
I wouldn't do overdrive in an automatic, but a manual would be ok if the engine can handle it.
Now I have a 24ft enclosed car hauler, takes a little more pedal for the same speed. Think it's a 355 rear end.
Can't tell you about the handling since this is a 3/4 ton with a c6 tranny.
I wouldn't do overdrive in an automatic, but a manual would be ok if the engine can handle it.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 6
From: Grenora ND
I have a 92 F150 short bed, reg cab (well son has it now) 300" six and 5 speed manual 4x4. Towed my 4800 lb empty 26 ft travel trailer over a mountain pass from the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast and back (with my 600 lb ATV in the bed) just fine. Remember, the 300" six was used in dump trucks that would gross out around 26,000 lbs and while it was slow in those, did just fine.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
I wouldn't tow too much with that overdrive transmission. It's either the same, or very similar to the SROD I had in mine before I swapped it out. It's a very light duty aluminum transmission that has a tendency to snap the ears off the mounts when too much stress is put on it. Not only that, but 1st isn't geared very low, so you'll be smoking the clutch getting things moving unless you have a low rear end.
When I bought another Bronco, I pulled it home and I could smell clutch every time I took off from a start, particularly going uphill (I do have a 3.00 rear though).
Not a limitation of the 300, but a limitation of the transmission.
Granted, it'll do just fine pulling small stuff like an aluminum boat, a uhaul trailer, etc.
That, at least, is my experience.
When I bought another Bronco, I pulled it home and I could smell clutch every time I took off from a start, particularly going uphill (I do have a 3.00 rear though).
Not a limitation of the 300, but a limitation of the transmission.
Granted, it'll do just fine pulling small stuff like an aluminum boat, a uhaul trailer, etc.
That, at least, is my experience.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
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That reminds me of an experience.
My 4OD/300 pulling a 22 ft travel trailer.
All was good driving on the highway in 3rd gear (1
.
I parked on a decline and wanted to back up, that clutch would not let it happen!!!!
My 4OD/300 pulling a 22 ft travel trailer.
All was good driving on the highway in 3rd gear (1
.I parked on a decline and wanted to back up, that clutch would not let it happen!!!!
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