no pulling f150
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Georgia
no pulling f150
this is my first time to this forum, anyhow, i have a 1988 f150 4x4 with a 4.9 6 cyl, i'm having trouble towing my 24' boat, should the 4.9 be able to handle the job, it just seems like it's putting everything it has into it, i have a 4 spd w/od, i have a 302 that i could swap out with the 4.9 if need be, but does anyone here think that i would need to, or can you advise what the problem is with the 4.9. i just want to go fishing, thanks in advance for any and all help. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: WA
How heavy is the boat?
What is your rear axle?
Also no, the 4.9L will be better than a 5.0 as far as hauling goes. Also your transmission plays into it, the 4 speed OD (not sure which one it is) isn't that great for hauling.
What is your rear axle?
Also no, the 4.9L will be better than a 5.0 as far as hauling goes. Also your transmission plays into it, the 4 speed OD (not sure which one it is) isn't that great for hauling.
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Senior User
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From: Georgia
no pulling f150
the boat probably weighs in @ around 5000 lbs, i'd be willing to bet that would be on the light side, it's a 24' cabin crusier,as far as my axles, i really couldn't tell you, i believe they are 3.high 70's, i'm not real sure. you thinking maybe the trans ain't up to snuff? it's the only one i got. wouldn't the tranny do better once i got it into od
Last edited by shrike; Jul 13, 2004 at 11:53 PM. Reason: add more info
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: USA
It'll pull better out of overdrive if you drive at whatever speed your engine likes to run best at. If you're running oversize tires, that effectively raises (numerically lowers) the axle ratio, decreasing towing power. An axle code '19' is a 3.55 ratio open diff. 'H9' is a 3.55 limited slip. '18' and 'H8' are 3.08 and '17' is 3.31, if you look on your door sticker under 'axle'.
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Senior User
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From: Georgia
ok, my axle code is h92, my tires are 31 10.50's, so i should pull in 4th gear and stay out of od? i just figured going into od would put less of a strain on the 6. i've only pulled the boat about 6 miles so far and in those 6 miles it felt like the boat was driving the truck if that makes any sense to ya. well i appreciate ya'lls time, maybe i'll take it out and see if i can come to a happy medium between the truck and the boat, thanks again.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
By using OD, you are lugging the motor, effectively putting MORE strain on it. You may find she pulls pretty good if you stay with 4th. OD puts less strain on the motor in the cases where it is revving alot and you aren't pulling anything. You may not be able to fly down the road at 70+, but you shouldn't be with that truck and that size load anyway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Running Springs CA
31 inch tires are part of the problem. Are you sure the axle code is H92 and not H9? Anyway, it sounds like 3.55 limited slip. The 302 would not be an improvement, a 351 would. Downshift when you need to and understand that you are probably towing about the maximum size trailer for your truck and take it easy.
Jim
Jim
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: USA
Going back to the stock 29" dia tires would restore the pulling power you lost with the 31's. 3.55's do work with 31" tires, that's about what I have on my Bronco, but it does lug a little when starting on a hill. I preferr lower gears than that and will eventually change them.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Georgia
it sounds like i'll just have to find what works best with this truck, let me ask you this, i have a 69 f100 with a 360 motor, i'm swaping out the 3 spd for a c6, would this truck be a better candidate for my haulin chores? thanks for all ya'lls help
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
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From: Kentucky
Pulling 5000lbs with a F150 would be really borderline. If you still have your owners manual , see what it may say about weight towing capacity. Your local Ford dealer may have in their books. My bigger concern would be the F150 brakes stopping fast, the total weight of your truck plus the 5k pushing it .
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Senior User
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From: Georgia
yea i heard the 360 loves a gas station, and as far as my f150's brakes, it's like fellro86 and jimandmandy says just take it easy, i don't drive fast even without towing anything, i like to enjoy the scenery, and i leave early to get somewhere. thanks guys
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Forest Hill, MD
Shrike, 4th is OD. As far as whether or not you should tow in overdrive this is the rule of thumb myself and others on this forum preach. If you can tow in overdrive without the tranny hunting for gears you should be fine. If the tranny starts hunting it is best to lock out OD and tow in 3rd.