Engine for towing
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Beaverton
Engine for towing
I'm going to buy a 73 to 79 Ford truck for camping and towing my boat. Boat weighs about 2000 Lbs. I'm thinking manual transmission. Any pointers on which engine / model to avoid ?
I don't want a lot of power, but I do want a V8 hopefully a small block. Mileage doesn't matter. I'd like it to be reliable. I'll probably put a shell on it. Probably a shortbed.
Any info to steer me in the right direction ?
I don't want a lot of power, but I do want a V8 hopefully a small block. Mileage doesn't matter. I'd like it to be reliable. I'll probably put a shell on it. Probably a shortbed.
Any info to steer me in the right direction ?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Any 73-79 will be good for you. All the engine choices are reliable and strong - just some are stronger than others. The 73-79s came with 300-I6, 302, 351M, 360, 390, 400 or 460 - depending on year and model. I have a 390 4v with a 4spd and love it. The towing ability depends a lot on the rear gears and how fast you want to go.
Do you have emissions testing in your state? Some 73-79s are exempt - might make it easier to own if it didn't need tested...
The options are different depending on the model. Some are 'plain jane' and others are loaded with a/c, power steering/brakes, tilt, cruise, ect...
A shortbed is a little harder to find, but most people prefer the longer wheel base for towing - just a thought.
Marty
Do you have emissions testing in your state? Some 73-79s are exempt - might make it easier to own if it didn't need tested...
The options are different depending on the model. Some are 'plain jane' and others are loaded with a/c, power steering/brakes, tilt, cruise, ect...
A shortbed is a little harder to find, but most people prefer the longer wheel base for towing - just a thought.
Marty
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
Avoid the 302 and get the 351M. what year is it you are looking for? I would look for a 78 or 79, they hold some of the highest resale value (but if you are like most of us you will keep it till death do you part) and have a good combination with the 351M and a 4 speed, they are reliable, and you don't care about gas mileage LOL
Good luck finding a shortbed, they are becoming quite rare
Good luck finding a shortbed, they are becoming quite rare
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
I'd also go with an F-250 or F-350 for towing work. They have heavier duty frames, axels and brakes. If the boat is light (flat bottom aluminum with a 10 horse outboard) the F-150 will be fine but if you tow or haul regularly you'll be happier with the heavier truck.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 549
Likes: 1
IMO, your better off with the 300 inline 6 than a small block. Otherwise, the 351m/400 or 360 would be a good choice too. Parts are usually a little cheaper and easier to find for the '75- '79 trucks. Plus, they have factory electronic ignition. Better in the long run than the older points system. Unless you plan on hauling a slide in camper or camper trailer, the F150 should be enough.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Vegas
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Hartland, MI
I have a 1977 F-250 2wd with a 408 (400 bored .030), Holley 650 4-barrel, Edelbrock Intake, Headers, 2.5 inch exhaust, Comp Cams 268HE, 4-speed, 3:31 geared Dana 61 with 265/75-16 street tires. This truck pulls great!! I have pulled roughly 6500 pounds with no problems although that is about the limit with my high gearing. When I am empty I can run down the road at 2650 RPM at 75 MPH. This nets roughly 12 mpg. I love the combo. With 4.10 gears I would not be afraid to hook to 10k pounds although that grossly exceeds the factory tow ratings, which I feel are weak.
Good Luck
Zac
Good Luck
Zac
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
As others have said, try and stick with the later years (76-79). Of course the '76 was the last year the FE's were offered (360 & 390). Also, not to worry if you find a truck that has the 390 in place of the original 360...as that is a very common upgrade. I suppose you can tell that I am pushing more the FE family...but then I have a '76 F-150 4x4 with a 390FE in place of the original 360. Love the low end torque this engine puts out. Ideal for work/towing needs.
From personal experience, towing 2000 lbs...is really "NO" problem with my setup. So you should be totally fine in a F-150.
Good luck with whatever you choose...and enjoy your new FORD!
From personal experience, towing 2000 lbs...is really "NO" problem with my setup. So you should be totally fine in a F-150.
Good luck with whatever you choose...and enjoy your new FORD!
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 2
Your best engine choice as far as towing ability would probably be a 300 I-6, but since you prefer a V8, a 351M or 400M would be a good choice. You may have trouble finding a truck with a manual trans as automatics seem much easier to find in the 73-79 trucks. Also, the shortbed is going to be VERY hard to find. You would probably be better off with a longbed for towing and camping purposes anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 153
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From: dallas, tx
well i own a 76 f250 with a 390 4v. i bought it from a guy that towed a boat. i dont do any towing but do alot of hauling in the bed.
however its only a 3 speed auto. gets good low end power tho.
did a camper special come in these years? my dads older greater model was n f250 custom camper special. came with some 4.10s and a posi.
the I6 is a good towing engine.
however its only a 3 speed auto. gets good low end power tho.
did a camper special come in these years? my dads older greater model was n f250 custom camper special. came with some 4.10s and a posi.
the I6 is a good towing engine.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,253
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From: spartanburg, SC
thread about swaping a 302 into a 78-79 bronco.
http://www.broncotech.com/cgi-bin/ul...c;f=1;t=009428
http://www.broncotech.com/cgi-bin/ul...c;f=1;t=009428
Last edited by F150daniel; Jul 9, 2004 at 11:02 AM.