So, Ihave an 2011 F150 XLT SCrew with the EcoBoost, this truck came with a towing package (trailer brake controller), but it has the Code 27 rear axle (3:31) open differential. What I could find out is that the max. tow on my truck is 8,200lbs, with a B6 axle (3:73), th max. towing would be 11,300 lbs. I also have an 2005 F150 Lariat SCrew with the 5.4, this truck has the code B6 rear axle, could I swap the axle from the 2011 with the one from the 2005?.

 

If it was only that easy.

To get that 11,300# rating, it gets the HDPP frame under it, among other goodies.

A simple axle swap won’t cut it. I doubt the ‘05 axle has anywhere near the capacity of the ‘11 version of the 9.75” going into Max Tow/HDPP trucks.

 

I guess I was hoping it would be that easy... What is this HDPP frame you are refering to?

 

Heavy Duty Payload Package.

 

I just listed a factory 9.75 3.73 gear set with a front 3.73 axle for sale on eBay.

Ford improved the pinion strength in 2011 on the 9.75 axle so your strongest axle is the 2011 9.75. As for the 05 axle fitting I can not recall the difference but one thing I always do is to see if both axles share the same parts to help me figure out if I can swap different years. Ford also offered both the 8.8 or the 9.75 as a rear axle so one has to be mindful of that. I do not recall when Ford switched from five lug to six lugs.

 

The 5 X135 changed in all but the 2004 Heritage to 6X135 in 2004 and 2003 in the Expedition.

 

How is the frame different?

 

The frame is physically taller and thicker.

 

You may already know this, but I feel I have to say it anyway.
1) there is NOTHING you can do to change the tow RATING of this truck. Literally nothing, that's set at the factory and cannot be changed
2) there is LOTS you can do to change the tow CAPABILITY of this truck. The cost/benefit of those choices are matters of intense debate.

 

So I’d like give you my 2 cents .
What I have learned from owning 2 trailer and now 3rd tow vehicle .
1# drive the right tow vehicle for what your towing .
I can’t tell you how many vehicles I seen towing on the road incorrectly!
even advice from so called people who are the ones that we go to to ask and learn what to do are giving nothing will help you like the real time tow and experience to how the vehicle does .
my experience is from my actual towing .
So here s my little story and hope it helps you .
I started with a jayco flight Swift about a 2,700 lbs trailer . It’s about 13 foot box and in total to tongue 16”.
I owned a 2018 4runner rates 5,300 lbs tow
so it drove strait but up hills/ mountains engine was constant high rpm 4500 rpm .
I had a Anderson tow chain style sway/stabilizer .
drove from Washington state to San Francisco.
I was nervous that I wouldn’t make it back . I kept feeling like this is a major strain on transmission and engine to be reving so high up any incline .
that said even though my tow rating says I can do it easily my 4runner was saying different. I sold that 4 runner bought a 2017 Chevy Silverado 5.3 with tow package and the tow ratio . The Silverado was rated to tow 9,200 lbs . End summer drove down. To Los angels from Washington back . It can pull the trailer just fine . I did notice a little bouncy at times pulling the little trailer .
when I returned I upgraded the trailer to a forest River no boundaries 19.8 length 22.8 “ and weight 3,800 lbs dry .
. this year I drove down to pick up son in Los Angela’s again . The Silverado was very bouncy at times . It bounced like a old station Wagon . I had the Anderson hitch on it again.
it was extremely hot out!
temps where 100-115 .
the Silverado would struggle up the inclines and I was keeping eye on transmission as it would go up to 214 degrees . My understanding that 220 and up can drastically lesson life span the transmission.
I have herd that the trans fluid is rated handle temps 240 or so .
I had my foot to floor in the grape vine to do 55-65 mph .
the bouncing at time would about make your *** fly of the seat !
when I returned I decided this truck is not good at towing this trailer .
That’s why I’m in this forum now and owns f350.
I had change my hitch to work with this truck being higher . I chose the fastway e2 .
Now I understand there are many variables when towing . It’s not just tow capacity but payload is another large part .
Many say don’t need a anti sway or weight distribution under 5,000 lbs trailer .
I call bull**** ! Now maybe yes the weight distribution with the heavy duty might not need sense it only lowered about even . sway can be created by any weight trailer !
So my opinion and my point is . Yes you can modify your 1500 to pull a larger trailer .
by upgrading suspension . This does not eliminate the fact the transmission or engine is under powered .
even the local expert to was saying I can tow with this explorer he had at his lot . My point once again is just because you can pull something does not mean you should .
So I would use a anti sway on about anything you pull . I mean smalll trailer it won’t affect the vehicle but that little trailer could be swinging lanes potentially in curtain situations .
so first and most importantly get a tow vehicle that is appropriate to tow and I always believe go over board .
My second most. Important is set up the tow vehicle and trailer correct .
start first with it being level to each other .
those road trips I saw everything . I just can’t believe the risks people take !
anyways hope you can understand how I write . I hope that any that information can help you too . Best wishes .