First post here. Just got my first obs. 94 F-150, 5.8, E4OD, 4x4 supercab, 3.55 running gear, 96,000 miles. I'm researching how I'm going to start making it mine. Many people like the factory stance but I think I'd like to change up just a little. I have the factory window sticker. It says "heavy duty rear suspension pkg" and "trailer towing pkg". After cruising a million forums, I still don't know what this means. Essentially, I'm interested in leveling the front end and maybe going a little bigger on the tires. Nothing too crazy. I've seen everywhere that these 4x4 models were supposed to come stock with 31x10.5 tires... Mine did not. I've got the 235x75x15. I want to do some light towing without squatting the rear end and still be able to run it on the highway. What I'm thinking: BDS leveling kit for my model 31x10.5 tires Do I need air bags or RAS suspension to keep it level? What is the factory heavy duty suspension and is it enough? I'm a fairly experienced parts changer but I'm new to these trucks and new to modding factory spec. Thanks for any input

 

Look at the rear leaf springs, my guess is, it came with an overload spring from the factory. It will be another leaf, on top of the normal load/ride stack and have devoted stops that it hits, once the truck is loaded enough, that spring will help take the load.

The trailer tow package is nice, as that means you have a tow plug wired up from the factory, compete with devoted reverse light, flashers, brake power, battery charge, etc all wired into the under hood fuse box w/ relays and fuses.

31" tires will bolt on no problem without any modifications. Nice clean truck.

My first mod would be manual locking hub conversion. Second, transgo tugger kit for e4od, trans temp gauge at the test port. The tow package should also include an aux trans cooler. Temp gauge will let you know if it;s enough for what you'll tow/haul.

 

+1 for what FORDF250HDXLT said above
The factory overload springs are the HD part (wonderful option)
Same with the trailer tow (another wonderful option)
Have fun with it
Procure a spare processor for it while you still can

 

What do you consider light towing? My travel trailer has about a 4800# dry weight and would have easily squatted my 1990 F150 4x4 with the tow package , but it won't phase my 1991 F250 HD. That would be feather weight for modern diesels. If you are talking occasional light loads with a utility trailer, I wouldn't worry about adding to the suspension. The 31x10.5 tires will gain you about an inch in ride height and a little over an inch in width. The things to consider with them are that they will have a bit more rolling resistance, and therefore lower fuel economy, and they won't be quite as good on the winter roads because of the extra width. But, if you just want the look, then they will fit on your current rims just fine. My personal experience with the automatic locking hubs is a bit different than a lot of people on here, apparently. I had no problems with them on any of my 8th generation trucks that were equipped with them. But, f they do go bad, I don't believe that you will find replacements for them.

 

By processor you're referring to the ECM?

 

rwfid, by towing I'd be talking about a pop up camper or small travel trailer.... Maybe the occasional utility trailer.

 

Smaller lightweight trailers shouldn't be a problem. I pulled a pop up trailer with my '90 Bronco without issue and pulled an 18 foot 1967 Roadrunner travel trailer with the 1990 F150 short box that pulled okay until a semi passed me. The shorter wheelbases aren't as tow friendly as the longer ones, but the stock suspension should be fine as long as you know its limitations.

 

Yes, the ecm ecu pcm or processor
The capacitors inside start leaking electrolyte and destroy the circuit board if it gets bad enough
One of several related stories...
I've been fighting a code 18 on a 1990 Crown Vic Country Squire wagon for weeks that got 3 processors before we found one that worked
The guy tossed his original years ago and they painted over the calibration code in the door jamb. The valve cover sticker was also gone (nasty)
Code 18 generally means replace the TFI module and you are done
This one got a new Ford DU30C stator in the distributor, a Motorcraft TFI module and a used processor
Was Miller time last night

 

Tow package includes the universal brake control port w/ blue wire all ready to go, right there under or near ash try too. Forgot that little tidbit. So if there isn't one yet and you need a trailer w/ electric brakes, you can buy one and plug it right in and go. Everything can be wired in place of where tow package is, I did it on my f450, but it's a few hrs work. Nice to know it's there. That's a real nice setup for an f150; 351w - e4od - 3.55's. Just a nice all around, good capable general pickup....aside from the short bed. I did that once myself on my fist f150, never again, but we all use stuff so different, so. Still really like that setup overall though. Keep her nice. They don't make 'em like that any more.

 

My 2 cents.

I have a 94 F150 standard cab with 5.8/E4OD, 4x4, 3.55 gears and 235/75/15 tires.

My trucks rated towing capacity is 7500 pounds. I have towed loads in that range. The rear springs sat down but were no where near the bump stops. I do NOT have overload springs. I think your truck will handle smaller tows just fine, of course assuming it is in good mechanical shape.

Taller tires negatively impacts overall gearing. 31 inch tires do generally have higher payload ratings then the 235's. I found larger tires to be more prone to traction issues in the wet. They are also more expensive to buy and will hurt your fuel mileage. But 31's aren't exactly a huge leap in tire size.