towing capabilities

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Mar 31, 2007 | 05:25 PM

faststang94

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towing capabilities

I've been looking and 75 and older f100-150's longbeds. I was going to convert from the fe or the 302, for a 351w with gt40p heads and a rv cam something decent for towing. also I have in mind a e40d with a shift kit with 4.11 gears for the 9inch (im pretty sure thats what they came with) anyways also a tranny cooler and efi conversion. i was just wondering how much those trucks tow ratings were for back then. i have a open car trailer its about 16 or so feet long, but it weighs about 2000 or so and i need it haul my 94 mustang with a 460 to the race track and probably when i move out of the state. It's either that or i guess i could suffer with a 460 and get 8mpg and have no problem towing. I'd just like to hear some peoples oppinions. Id really like to drive the truck around off and on when im not towing and not suffer so bad of mileage.

Mar 31, 2007 | 06:55 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Well in 77 with a 351M the tow capacity on a 2wd was 6000lbs. with a weight distribution hitch. 6000lbs is the max frame and brake rating. Yes, they will tow more, but it is hard on the truck. You need one with at least 6000gvw. 6000lbs tow rating should pull your trailer and car with no problem. I'd doubt that the mustand weighs over 4000lbs.

You would have to go with a F250 to get up around 8000lbs of tow capacity.

Mar 31, 2007 | 07:26 PM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Fstang, Welcome to FTE. You don't want to pull a FE for a W for towing that is the wrong move. There aint nothing else cubic inch equal that will out pull a FE. A 460 is a hundred cubes larger than a 360 and should pull more. IMHO

I tow what you describe with a FE and C6 tranny in front of 3.00 rears.

John

Mar 31, 2007 | 08:15 PM

faststang94

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ya thats what I thought. maybe swap the fe out for a 460 with a e40d or some tranny with electronic overdrive so when im not towing I can keep the rpms decently low to help mileage some. or i suppose i could do a efi 460 swap and add a maf setup which is what everyone seems to like because the computer is more friendly to modifications. Also I did not want to go to a 250 was because I cannot seem to find any aftermarket wheels for them. Does anyone know where i might be able to find some that would change my mind more if i could find a set

Last edited by faststang94; Mar 31, 2007 at 08:18 PM.

Apr 1, 2007 | 02:55 PM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

There are tons of aftermarket wheels for the 8 x6.50 bolt pattern in both steel and alloy.

http://www.tyres1.com/

Personally, having towed with a 351w (88k) auto and FE390 (34 years old 300k?) and NP435 granny gear, no way would I ever pull even the stock FE for the most beefed up 351W, even if the FE was a ratted out blowing oil motor. No comparison getting going up a hill, the FE wins hands down.

I have met a few people towing trailers, the EFI 460 with 5 speed in the F-250 seems to be what they like the most besides the diesel. They get 15+ mpg unloaded! They were all as pleased as punch with that combo even when doing interstate runs.