I know this has been covered by another thread - but Lord knows I can't find it! How do I determine the towing capability of my F150 XL, 4.6, auto with O/D? I have no idea of the ratio of the rearend. Were all F150s with 4.6 the same?

Thanks

 

Right around 7K lbs. It can go up or down a hundred pounds or so from there depending on your cab/box configuration.

 

you can always consult your owners manual.

drj

 

thanks, drj. (no offense) I like to think I am 'sharp' enough to look in the manual - if I had one. Can't figure what happens to owner's manuals in used cars & trucks. I guess gremlins get them.

this one doesn't have one. I did a google search and got anywhere from 4500lbs to 7000lbs.

tdister - thanks

 

You're welcome. Also, it does depends on if you have a 3.08, 3.31 or 3.55 rear. The above is for 3.55 equipped trucks. Subtract about 1K pounds for the 3.31. The 3.08 says it has awhopping 2K lb. towing capacity (gulp...hope you read this before you go tow. Find out what rear you have. I would assume they reserve the 3.08 for the base model fleet-type trucks. Unfortunately, that description might fit yours.

You can download or browse the owners manual here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/results.asp

For some reason, it automatically gives you the Lightning manual instead for '99 models. A '00 should be basically the same (I hold no responsibility for any changes though ). Weight capacities start around page 163.

 

Download a pdf manual

Go to https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

 

Sorry, should have read the whole thread before posting!

Live and learn.

 

no biggee.
didnt know...

either way - switch to 4.10's - you'll be sorry you didn't sooner!!
a gear swap is one of the best 'mechanical' upgrades you can make.

drj

 

tdister - you've been a lot of help. and no, I haven't tried towing anything, yet. I'm in the market for a small travel trailer and wanted to do my homework before I make a mistake. my truck is a very basic work truck.

OK, another dumb question - how can I tell which rearend is in my truck?

 

Look in the drivers side door jamb. There should be a sticker with the axle code. It will say "axle" with a number like 18 or 19 below it. I don't have all of the codes at the moment, but post it and we'll figure it out.

 

19 is 3.55 Non LS then H9 would be 3.55 LS if its letter and # its LS if its just numbers its non (open differential one wheel spinner look on the door jamb and post it someone could decode it probably

 

Thanks for all the help..... my data plate axle code is 18

 

Unfortunately, that's the code for the 3.08. I'm not sure you can just swap gears and get the extra capability or if other things like springs are different as well. Maybe someone else has more info. Good luck

EDIT: I would guess that changing gears by itself would up you towing ability. Out of curiousity, what is the GVWR listed at? It should be on the same sticker

 

Sounds like your in the same boat (truck) I'm in: I just got home last night towing a TT. This is the second weekend towing this trailer with my 98 4.6, 3.08 rear-end, Ex-cab, Long-bed. Travel trailer is about 3700 pounds, up to 7200 max load if tanks are full. I also had my bed full of tools...ie-welder and compressor etc. Drove 198 miles on this last tank, about 11mpg.

After some diddling with fuel, air-cleaner and tires, I got about 11mpg on this last run, which is up from 7mpg I got the first time around, then 9 on Friday. Cleaned the KN filter, made sure my tire pressure was where it was supposed to be and put some Octane boost with the 89 octane gas (compromise in price verses 92, which will work better). The engine was able to run smoother, no pinging and stayed at 60 to 65mph. This was with the OD "OFF" and no cruise control. This truck has 274K miles on it btw.

According to my owners manual (off the top of my head here), I can tow about 5200 or so pounds (trailer) with the 3.08, but up to about 7500 or 10.5K total weight including truck with 3.55's in the rear-end. So I'm looking at a swap soon. I may look at 3.70, but let other's give input on that. I'd like to have the cruise control on at times, but not feasable with this 3.08 right now.

I think my truck would run a bit smoother and easier with a change in the rear-end, plus give me a larger load range. I don't drive this everyday anymore, so a drop in mileage is not a concern factor right now. But should be able to stay within 10 to 12 mpg.

 

tdister - GVWR - 6050 lbs.

Scotchale - I've looked at one TT that was 3400 lbs, but would like to see if there are any around 3000 lbs (except a pop-up). I doubt I'd carry anything in the bed..... the only weight in the cab would be me and my 20 lb dog. While gas mileage isn't a major concern, I'd hope to do better than 9 or 10 mpg. I get around 17 - 18 mpg at highway speeds now. I won't be going anywhere in particular and don't have a timetable to get there, so it won't matter if I go 55.

Sure appreciate the input.