I have an 03 F-150 4X4 with the 4.2 (V-6cyl), 5 spd, and 3.55 rear. The same truck with an automatic is rated at pulling 5000 lbs gvw, mine with the 5 spd is rated @ pulling 3250 lbs gvw. why the difference? I also have a travel trailer that is 5000 lbs. What can I do to make that 4.2 gain more low end torque??? How costly would it be for me to change the gears to 3:73 (or 4:11), and would that make a difference? Any suggestions???

 

The 5 speed isn’t as strong as the auto but people, including myself, have pulled the full 5k without any problems. For more info you should post in the 4.2 forum. A gear change would give you more low end. Don’t know about pricing though.

 

I think the weak link in the manual is the clutch. Understand that when Ford truck specs are not for just level road, but also starts and stops on inclines (line pulling a boat up the ramp). The average driver really slips the clutch to much from a stop.

Also, people do stupid stuff and the specs have to reflect this. Like a 16 year old taking a fully load payload and dumping the clutch at 4k (if the clutch holds you can twist the drive shaft or snap some stuff). I know because I used to do stupid stuff like this to the work trucks when I was young.