REAL Differences between models, Towing Package info
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Senior User
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From: Merchantville, NJ 08109
REAL Differences between models, Towing Package info
For background info, I am working with a 1991 F-150 XLT Lariat, Ext. cab, LB, 5.8l V-8, 2wd, AOD trans, not sure which rear at the moment...
What are the REAL differences between the F-150 & F-250?
Meaning- Is the frame different, or is it mainly an issue of upgraded/stronger springs/shocks, etc? Can I swap out some items, & increase my F-150s capability? (PLEASE don't say- "Just get an F-250 to start with..." too late, and I couldn't find the one I wanted... But I CAN do heavy work...)
Also, What is included in the "Towing Package"? I don't believe my truck has anything more than the wiring & would like to get it set up properly...
ADDITIONALLY, I know there are some serious variables to converting to 4wd- I seem to recall steering box location(aft to fwd repositioning) is one, what else is there? As I mention- mods are the only way I can go at this point, and I am able to do everything- including heavy frame mods if necessary, and I am only considering the ideas at this point- not really planning anything. Have to find out the variables...
Thanks!
Scott
What are the REAL differences between the F-150 & F-250?
Meaning- Is the frame different, or is it mainly an issue of upgraded/stronger springs/shocks, etc? Can I swap out some items, & increase my F-150s capability? (PLEASE don't say- "Just get an F-250 to start with..." too late, and I couldn't find the one I wanted... But I CAN do heavy work...)
Also, What is included in the "Towing Package"? I don't believe my truck has anything more than the wiring & would like to get it set up properly...
ADDITIONALLY, I know there are some serious variables to converting to 4wd- I seem to recall steering box location(aft to fwd repositioning) is one, what else is there? As I mention- mods are the only way I can go at this point, and I am able to do everything- including heavy frame mods if necessary, and I am only considering the ideas at this point- not really planning anything. Have to find out the variables...
Thanks!
Scott
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Senior User
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From: Merchantville, NJ 08109
Hi- Thanks- I see the entry for the Towing Package, but it doesn't say what's in the package... Nice window sticker- I wish I had mine, but I'm the third owner, and the last guy didn't even have the owner's manual!(though I did find a nice set on e-pay- cheap!)
Thanks again-
Scott
Thanks again-
Scott
Senior User
Joined: May 2013
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From: Central Michigan
If I''m not mistaken the AOD wasn't put into anything bigger than an F-150/Bronco. The F-250's and up had the E4OD for the automatic. I think an AOD would implode under the stress you could put an E4OD under.
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From: Merchantville, NJ 08109
Scott
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From: Central Michigan
I guess we were both mistaken because I meant to say no motor bigger than the 5.0L not F-150
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More Turbo
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ADDITIONALLY, I know there are some serious variables to converting to 4wd- I seem to recall steering box location(aft to fwd repositioning) is one, what else is there? As I mention- mods are the only way I can go at this point, and I am able to do everything- including heavy frame mods if necessary, and I am only considering the ideas at this point- not really planning anything. Have to find out the variables...
Thanks!
Scott
Converting your F150 to TTB 4x4 is entirely bolt in. The steering box/pitman arm position is the same on 2wd and 4x4. The frames are the same.
Tow package is dual front shocks (maybe 4x4 only),trailer hitch, wiring for trailer lights (not sure if the trailer brake wiring is in the half tons) and I think that's it.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Merchantville, NJ 08109
Converting your F150 to TTB 4x4 is entirely bolt in. The steering box/pitman arm position is the same on 2wd and 4x4. The frames are the same.
Tow package is dual front shocks (maybe 4x4 only),trailer hitch, wiring for trailer lights (not sure if the trailer brake wiring is in the half tons) and I think that's it.
Tow package is dual front shocks (maybe 4x4 only),trailer hitch, wiring for trailer lights (not sure if the trailer brake wiring is in the half tons) and I think that's it.
"TTB"? Not familiar with the term, I'm afraid...
Is there a heavier radiator with the towing package, or is that only the super cooling package, or both?
Thanks for the info on the steering- I had been reading somewhere here that 4x and 2x had different locations, but that may be later models- I had been investigating later 90s(94/95) trucks when I first started, but decided to choose a truck style I had owned before... I guess when I have time & $$ I'll look up a 4x4 wreck to part the components from...
Thanks again!
Scott
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
TTB= Twin Traction beam. Some people call it IFS (Independent front suspension) but pretty much it is the front end all 80-96 ford F150 and F250 trucks have used till they went to real IFS.
Also our 90 F150 is not a trailer tow package but has everything minus the hitch that you said BBF385.
Same thing with my 88 F150.
Trav
Also our 90 F150 is not a trailer tow package but has everything minus the hitch that you said BBF385.
Same thing with my 88 F150.
Trav
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Central Wisconsin
The heavy duty trailer tow package would include HD shocks, rear anti sway bar, 7 way trailer wiring package and HD cooling IIRC.
You could also order the truck with just the trailer wiring package.
I ordered hundreds of these trucks when I was in sales at my local Ford store from '91-'96. While the old memory isn't perfect I think I go it pretty close.
You could also order the truck with just the trailer wiring package.
I ordered hundreds of these trucks when I was in sales at my local Ford store from '91-'96. While the old memory isn't perfect I think I go it pretty close.
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In regards to the frame differences. I have not heard that the 150 frame is thinner. I have noticed though, that the 150 frame has many more smaller holes in it, from what I understand, was to lighten up the frame. For this range of years everything was the same except for the axles and springs. The engines, transmissions, and the transfer cases were the same. Even the sheet metal was the same. The only thing that I am not sure on is whether a F150 came with a 460. But, I have seen an F350 with a 4.9.
More Turbo
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From: Heber, UT
I know there is a difference in the frame, not sure what the difference is but the F250 and 350 have a much stiffer frame. I have towed with my 94 f150 SCSB and then towed the exact same load with my friends 96 f250 SCSB and his feels much more planted and stable towing i.e. less frame flex when going over bumps and transitions on the highway.
FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Frames are not the same, the F250 shares more in common with an F350 than it does with an F150. There are lots of things you can do to your truck to make it handle loads better but there is nothing you can do to legally increase cargo and towing capacity.