Well, I was always under the impression that an F150 was a 1/2 ton P/U and F250 was 3/4 ton etc. but after reading many threads it has become clear that this is not true especially with the 7700 package. Does anyone know what the payload capacity is for a '97 F150 4X4 (long bed)? The door jam reads 6000 GVWR with front/rear GAWR at 3200lb. Unfortunately the vehicle weight is not listed... Aside from the 7700 package, did Ford offer any other payload upgrades.

 

There is very much variation in curb weight, go to a truck scale and have the truck weighed. In my area the scales at truck stops charge $7 to weigh.

 

I was afraid of that.. no weight stations in my area (at least one that is open).

 

If you check the specs section for the 2000 (which shouldn't be too much different than your '97) it lists a base curb weight for base model short beds. There are other sites like Edmunds, that also list base curb weights. You can compare the two and get a feeling for how much your long bed really weighs. The payload capacities are based on the difference between the GVRW and the base curb weight for the model you own.

Ford does offer more than one payload package (obviously), but they've changed them over the last 6 years. For example your option package would have a number associated with it (maybe option 893C, as an example) and be known as the 6000# package.

Since '97, the lower GVWR's are usually the vehicles with smaller engines, taller gears (3.08's or 3.31's), and manual transmissions.

I'd guess you have a base payload around 1600 lbs, but put yourself and any other stuff you have in the cab and it drops rapidly.

-Kerry