Guys,

I got my truck a couple of weeks ago. I was looking for a early to mid 90's 250 or 350 with the extended/supercab with a diesel. However, I came across a 150 XLT supercab 4x4 that was at a really good price and had a new shortblock installed by Ford 38,000 miles prior with a rebuild on the top end. It's a 302. So I got it anyways. I really wanted the bigger cab. Life is sometimes a compromise. I needed the truck for a cross country move that looked like it was going to happen in November or December so time was getting short. Now it looks like the move is going to be delayed to the spring so I've got time to do some upgrades. Can you increase the GVW by changing springs, etc. What is the primary difference between the 150 and the 250? I believe I've seen 250s with 302 motors so It's got to be something else. Are the frames on the 150 and 250 the same? Forgive my lack of knowledge. I'm a truck newbie and my gearhead days were 30 years ago.

Brett

 

The F250 with a 302 is most likely a "Light Duty" F250. . .which isn't much more than an F150 with 8 lugs and a higher GVWR (and not by much in most cases).

There isn't really any legal way to up your GVWR. It is was it is what it is. . .on that same note, there really isn't a safe way to increase GVWR either. At the end of the day, even if you put giant springs with over loads, and bigger 8 lug axles, and bigger brake boosters, and even a bigger tranny and motor to really work it. . .

. . .you still have a half ton frame. It has a smaller cross section and is made of thinner material than the heavy duty stuff. It effectively becomes the weak link.

The saving grace is you might have a decent towing rating and can pull a u-haul trailer with it

I know what you mean by compromise all too much

 

The long cab will be an advantage when pulling a trailer. Longer wheelbase gives greater stability.

My Ford1992 Recreation Vehicle and Trailer Towing Guide says that a 1992 F150 supercab 4x4 with the 302 and 4.10s and automatic transmission can pull 7600 pounds.And can pull 6600 pounds with 3.55s. And 6900 pounds when 4x2 and with 3.55s

The 1992 SC 4x4 F150 302 with a manual can pull 5200 pounds with 4.10s.And the 92 F250 302 manual tranny, regular cab with 4.10s pulls 5500 pounds.

The maximum for the F250 302 4x4 auto in 1992 was 8000 pounds when equipped with 4.10s.

There isnt that much difference when trailering--between the SC F150s and the F250s--and the ride of the F150 with the long wheelbase is so much more comfortable when the truck is unloaded. You just give up about 250/300 pounds of trailering capacity--when comparing the regular cab F150 to the supercab F150.The SC weights about 250/300 pounds more than the regular cab F150.


I believe that the biggest problem with the 302 in a truck is when the rear axle ratio is a car ratio of 2.73 or 3.08 with a manual transmission and someone trys to pull a 4k plus trailer. Everyone will tell you that the 302 doesnt have the low end torque of the 4.9 or 5.8. But the 302 apparently will pull with 4.10s.The 302 just needs a truck rear ratio to act like a truck engine.

And there is an overlap between the highest rated F150 springs and the lowest rated F250 springs. They can use the same springs in some cases from the factory in the front.

 

Thanks Guys, that's what I really wanted to know, was the frame different. I had pretty much figured that I would have to tow a trailer and you guys have confirmed it. So that is the direction I'll move in. I figured on the heavy side that the max load that I will be hauling would be 2600 pounds including my adult stepson, gear, clothing, etc. My rough estimated load capacity is about 1800 pounds but I won't know for sure until I find some scales and can determine my actual curb weight. If I'm I decide to cut out some of my load, then I can probably get it down to 1600 pounds but I would prefer not to have to leave things behind. So a small Uhaul trailer looks to be the way to go. I'm also trying to decide if I want to put a used cap on it but then that cuts into my load capacity and I really like the looks of the truck without it. Decisions, decisions. I've already replaced the shocks with HD Bilsteins. Next job is to tighten the steering lash (has the typical steering wandering), check to make sure the front end is good (balljoints, tie rods, etc), replace the rear spring front hangers, replace the exhaust, and improve the engine's torque characteristics. This is all while doing the typical stuff like belts, hoses, and fluids as needed. Truck has 3.55 gearing which should help on the gas milage so I'll leave that as is. Oh, and of course come up with a name. The wife calls it the booger, I've come up with the womper (kind of a misnomer with the small 302) and the 5 year old grandson calls it the gym truck because we always take it when going to the gym, LOL. Thanks again for the info.


Brett

 

You shouldnt have any problems towing that load. I have a 93f-150 with 302, 5spd, 6inch lift, 35's, and a shell. I run 4:56's in mine in though. I tow my camp trailer and all my gear for hunting.Im sure im a little heavy on the trailer its about 5k lbs with gear and i can make the 9% grade to the property holding 35 mph (the spd limit). On the highway i can cruze at 65 all day long with no struggles. The only thing you have to be carefull about is slowing down. Thats where you come accross the down fall of the f-150 brake system. Even with soem up grades its still a little lazy. So just watch your speed and allow enough time to stop. Its a FORD it will do it.

 

Thanks Bocephus, I'm feeling better about this purchase more and more. Don't get me started on lift though. Being my first truck I thought it was big and sat up pretty high. I'm used to getting into a company car (Impala) so I was like, wow, I'm a truck guy now. It made my wife's ION look like a toy. Then the other night, the grandson and I went to the gym and when we came out there was a newer 350 extended cab parked next to it. Made my truck look like a tinkertoy and I immediately got truck envy, LOL. Unfortunately having just spent the money on the new stock height Bilsteins a lift is not in the near future. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to park near smaller vehicles, LOL. Your post brings to mind another question. How does one measure grade? Just always wondered exactly what a 9% grade means. I'm assuming it has to do with height increase over run. Can you provide a brief explanation. Just something I was always curious about.

Brett

 

Im not sure how its measured all i know is in the 16 mile stretch of road thet takes you from the small town to the summit you go from 6033 feet above sea lvl to about 8880feet.
http://www.geocities.com/sidestreetluge/grade.html http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bicycles-fa...ection-39.html