My 78 F150 has a 302, with the 4 sp manual overdrive transmission, I believe it has 3.00 gears. I want to tow a camper. I know the owner's manual says it is not recommended to tow with this trans. I am willing to switch the trans and rear diff gears. What would be recommended, and what would bolt up to my engine, and clutch? Are there any newer transmissions that would work?
A friend of mine says i shouldnt be concerned.

 

How big and heavy is the camper? How big of a hurry are you in?

If you are not dropping the clutch and running 4500 rpm all day in 3rd gear, I wouldn't worry.

 

I am in no hurry, I havent bought a camper as of yet. I am retiring in a year, or so, and I want it to be ready then. You just said what my friend said. I am a mild driver.

 

I used to have a 76 LB with a 302 and towed a 65 Mustang (no engine or trans) on a two-wheel dolly from San Diego to the SF Bay Area. It was fine on the flatlands but a total dog going up long grades... I was a rolling chicane to the traffic around me...

 

The zf42 is available for the smallblock, only draw back is that it has a hydraulic clutch with an internal slave cylinder. Just pulled one out of a 89 f350 dually work truck that had a 351w, pulled motor and trans in one unit, too bad you dont live up here as this trans has the new slave and release bearing plus the motor is an EFI.

 

It looks like the tires are a bit larger than stock diameter but not huge (diameter would help with better answers). With that, a 3.5x or 3.7x rear ratio would be a good compromise ratio and 4.1x probably best for towing.

With an OD transmission the 4.10's would not be bad at all running light. With a 1:1 direct drive transmission, they would be a bit buzzy.

I don't know that particular trans so no comment on towing durability. That said, changing the rear will make the job easier for the transmission and clutch.

Personally, I'd probably try the 4.1x and current transmission, go easy towing and target 3-4,000# max for the camper.