302 or 351?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
302 or 351?
Hello,
Due to friend selling their truck we always borrowed, I am in the market for tow vehicle for our camper, camper only runs 3800lbs loaded, have pulled it quite easily with a gmc 4.3, however, I am not comfortable with a smaller vehicle and would like to purchase a larger vehicle I don't have to worry about pulling it.
It's basically going to be an occasional work truck and 6 or 7 times a year camper hauler.
First, is a Bronco good for towing?
Second, I love the 302 engines, but I've read in these forums gas mileage vs. power is almost a wash between the 302 and 351. We drive mountains often. I stayed away from the 351 thinking it would hog gas. Any ideas?
Last, is it worth checking 93, 94, or 95 Eddie Bauers with factory tow package or just go back to an F150?
Really, I just want a horse, something that will run with the understanding that there will be minor repairs, and maybe not the prettiest. Can't justify selling my 4 cyl car because of a long commute to work. So I'm looking cheap....
Due to friend selling their truck we always borrowed, I am in the market for tow vehicle for our camper, camper only runs 3800lbs loaded, have pulled it quite easily with a gmc 4.3, however, I am not comfortable with a smaller vehicle and would like to purchase a larger vehicle I don't have to worry about pulling it.
It's basically going to be an occasional work truck and 6 or 7 times a year camper hauler.
First, is a Bronco good for towing?
Second, I love the 302 engines, but I've read in these forums gas mileage vs. power is almost a wash between the 302 and 351. We drive mountains often. I stayed away from the 351 thinking it would hog gas. Any ideas?
Last, is it worth checking 93, 94, or 95 Eddie Bauers with factory tow package or just go back to an F150?
Really, I just want a horse, something that will run with the understanding that there will be minor repairs, and maybe not the prettiest. Can't justify selling my 4 cyl car because of a long commute to work. So I'm looking cheap....
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 0
From: western montana
i definitely ditto the 78-79. They are real inexpensive around here due to gas prices. I am running my 79 with the 429 as a daily driver as i work on other rigs...w/o top of course and I get anywhere from 13-15+. last ck was 320 miles on 21 gallons. not great but the fun of driving the 4 speed is worth it imo. I drive very easy with a vacuum gauge in the cab so I know how to drive it right for mileage.
I've owned a 89 and still own an 83 and I built the 351 thats in it. I really dislike all the crap they put on the engine from 80-86...and it's a bit of wok to get rid of it even if you can. i'm taking the 351w out and putting in a 302 just to save the 351 for another project. it has low gears and as a runabout a 302 is fine. the 302 is a tough motor and will withstand the abuse but the performance isn't there and oftentimes a 351 will beat a 302 in mileage.
I've owned a 89 and still own an 83 and I built the 351 thats in it. I really dislike all the crap they put on the engine from 80-86...and it's a bit of wok to get rid of it even if you can. i'm taking the 351w out and putting in a 302 just to save the 351 for another project. it has low gears and as a runabout a 302 is fine. the 302 is a tough motor and will withstand the abuse but the performance isn't there and oftentimes a 351 will beat a 302 in mileage.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 14
From: cape may county NJ
I know its not the same as you wanted to know but I used to pull a 20' boat and between the two trucks I had (86 150 aod EFI 302 long bed) and my Bronco(EB 351 E0d4) I liked the way my bronco pulled better then my truck.I could really tell the boat was back there in the truck but not as much in the bronco but the bronco also has the tow package and the truck does not.I think the problems start is if the trailer is to long and you have to make a sudden stop with a bronco and a short wheelbase.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The 351 is a much better truck motor, but far too many of these trucks got less than ideal gearing for the job they are designed to do, so make a point of looking at the gears in your next purchase. 3.73-4.10 is what you want in tow vehicle IMO.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks
To everyone who posted. After looking at nearly 100 broncos and F150's I have purchased a 1994 f150, 302, 4WD, nothing else fancy, extremely stock so I can start from a base truck, for the price and mileage and condition I couldn't pass it up, it's a family vacation vehicle. I imagine this will be very different from working on my Yotas though...I'm sure I will have further questions.
My dad always said I'd end up a ford man.....
My dad always said I'd end up a ford man.....
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: lakeland, Tn
Good purchase. I had a 93 bronco 351W with the E4OD pulled great but had the tranny overheat twice pullin my tractor (bout 6000lbs) so if you got the E4OD invest in a trans temp gauge and consider a larger cooler.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
A word to the wise: If it's an automatic your first upgrade should be the biggest transmission cooler you can install. If you are going to be pulling anything you need to have a transmission cooler. Also, keep it OUT of overdrive when pulling. I'm sure you already know this, but I'd feel bad if I didn't say something and find a post a year from now about how to rebuild your transmission. :-) Great purchase, take care.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
You asked 302 or 351, everyone said 351, so you bought a 302. 
Good choice on the F-150 though... towing with a Bronco can be tough because of the short wheel base. A longer wheelbase pickup is always better.
Good choice on the F-150 though... towing with a Bronco can be tough because of the short wheel base. A longer wheelbase pickup is always better.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
autox65
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jul 19, 2016 01:50 PM
Blue Rebel
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Sep 5, 2011 08:55 PM
