Things to help improve towing
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New User
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Things to help improve towing
I am wanting to get a Travel Trailer, and I would like to be able to tow it with my 1976 so I was wondering what was a list of things I could do to improve my capacity. The truck is a Single Cab Long Bed 1976 F100 360Ci 4x4 with a 4 speed. My VIN is F11YRC54896 if that is of any use, I couldnt find out what my rear end ratio was either. Im not sure if this changes anything but the truck rides on 6in of lift, and 35in tires. I already know that I should convert my rear brakes to disc so that is on a list. Another question is what is a good way to setup this truck to work with trailer brakes. Any help is appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 323
From: Central Florida
First off, what are the specs of the trailer that you want to tow. Does it require a fifth wheel/gooseneck hookup or a hitch/trailer ball? Number of axles, electric brakes, etc. There are a lot of variables to consider.
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New User
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I havent got a travel trailer yet but it would be a trailer ball, most likely 2 axles, and have electric brakes
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 323
From: Central Florida
A healthy 360 should produce sufficient torque but the rear axle ratio and tire size are important data points affecting fuel efficiency and performance. There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the center section of the rear axle. Look for that.
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Good start. Take a look at the warranty plate on the driver side door and look for the GVWR. This and the specs of the hitch that you use will help you select a trailer that your truck can handle.
A healthy 360 should produce sufficient torque but the rear axle ratio and tire size are important data points affecting fuel efficiency and performance. There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the center section of the rear axle. Look for that.
A healthy 360 should produce sufficient torque but the rear axle ratio and tire size are important data points affecting fuel efficiency and performance. There should be a tag under one of the bolts on the center section of the rear axle. Look for that.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,886
Likes: 4,119
From: Angier, NC
A 6" lift and 35 tires do not make a good tow rig.
Rear drum brakes are ok as they were made to handle the load "STOCK" the tires hurt braking. Only way to fix that is larger brakes not just going to rear disc.
You will most likely need a weight distribution hitch and they don't make them drop low to keep trailer level.
Check out Etrailer.Com for trailer needs and brake controller for trailer brakes.
Dave - - -
Rear drum brakes are ok as they were made to handle the load "STOCK" the tires hurt braking. Only way to fix that is larger brakes not just going to rear disc.
You will most likely need a weight distribution hitch and they don't make them drop low to keep trailer level.
Check out Etrailer.Com for trailer needs and brake controller for trailer brakes.
Dave - - -
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 891
From: East Central Ia
A 6" lift and 35 tires do not make a good tow rig.
Rear drum brakes are ok as they were made to handle the load "STOCK" the tires hurt braking. Only way to fix that is larger brakes not just going to rear disc.
You will most likely need a weight distribution hitch and they don't make them drop low to keep trailer level.
Check out Etrailer.Com for trailer needs and brake controller for trailer brakes.
Dave - - -
Rear drum brakes are ok as they were made to handle the load "STOCK" the tires hurt braking. Only way to fix that is larger brakes not just going to rear disc.
You will most likely need a weight distribution hitch and they don't make them drop low to keep trailer level.
Check out Etrailer.Com for trailer needs and brake controller for trailer brakes.
Dave - - -
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 789
Likes: 7
From: Durham, NC
Things I would consider doing to this truck if I planned to tow a lot and keep the lift:
1. Rear sway bar. You would either need to customize a stock one for the lift or buy an aftermarket made for the lift.
2. Stiffer rear springs. Not a must but it helps. What I do is combine 2 sets but with one bottom spring. I cut one of the top springs eyes off. Then stack all together from small to large, c-clamp and bolt. Use a grade 8 bolt going up and then round the heads off to fit into the spring pads. Ditch the rear blocks.
3. Use 31" tires for best performance with 3.50 gears for towing.
Disk rear brakes make no difference for 85% - 90% of stopping comes from front anyways. Only think disks do is make brake jobs easier.
1. Rear sway bar. You would either need to customize a stock one for the lift or buy an aftermarket made for the lift.
2. Stiffer rear springs. Not a must but it helps. What I do is combine 2 sets but with one bottom spring. I cut one of the top springs eyes off. Then stack all together from small to large, c-clamp and bolt. Use a grade 8 bolt going up and then round the heads off to fit into the spring pads. Ditch the rear blocks.
3. Use 31" tires for best performance with 3.50 gears for towing.
Disk rear brakes make no difference for 85% - 90% of stopping comes from front anyways. Only think disks do is make brake jobs easier.
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