I don't have too much to add, mostly because you have excellent help I just wanted to give you my experience. I have an 88 302 with the 4.10s and I run 33sx12.5s under the truck. My buddy has the 351 same year, same gears except he runs 31x10.5s. I have pulled boats and trailers with both trucks. Both trucks pull my 5,000 lbs boat fully loaded with ease. The 351 with the smaller tires runs a little bit stronger on the long grades in Ca. My 302 does good but it almost goes without saying the engine is what it is. Now the other side is my truck guzzles but the 351 sucks a little more. So keep in mind the gas which is admitedly small but every cent counts. From my experience, the smaller engine does have less than the 351 but it works hard and is gutsier than a lot of people give credit. So bottom line if I had to do it again I would debate the bigger engine but I have very few regrets. Good luck

 

I have a 93 5.8 L . To me the 5.8 makes all the difference in the world. I have driven both the 5.0 and 5.8. To me, I felt a huge difference on hills. My mileage is about 17 mpg on the highway (not towing) and about 15 mpg towing. It is true you can change the gearing and add oil coolers to get the same ratio but if you can get it stock with heady duty package I would go for it. Guys in my area (Vancouver, Wa) pull a lot of boats and most of them will tell you go for the bigger motor you will need on the long trips.

Greg

 

Are the gears the main item that sets the towing limit? I have a 95 with the 5.8 and 355 gears rated at 7000 lbs towing capacity. If I were to change the gears, can I legally tow more?

Thanks for any input
Frank

 

Dunno about the legalities (which may have more to do with whether your insurance will cover an accident or weasel out of paying), but keep in mind that no matter how much HP and torque you've got at the rear wheels, you've still got 1/2 ton brakes and suspension. If the trailer brakes fail, you don't want to be in "Fred Flintstone mode".

 

fred flinstone mode hmm.... is that where you burn all the meat off your puppies or is it the position from which you and your family are in after the dino ribs tip your flyer on its side.hahahahahahah!!!!! sorry for the laugh, but i could not help it.