[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Jan-02 AT 05:44 PM (EST)]I will be purchasing a 92-96 f150 with the 300 6cyl motor in the next month or two.What is the best trans/gear(durability,mpg) ratio for towing a 3000lb boat 600 miles a month(mostly hwy).I see alot of automatic trucks in the repair shops around here,so is the manual(ZF or Mazda) trans better fo towing this weight?Also what is the deal with not using OD to tow with an automatic?Some people have told me they have read this in owners manuals.

 

This is my opinion and others might differ, but here goes. I'm not an expert at towing, but I've probably logged 35,000 miles over the last 2 years towing a dual axle 7000 lb trailer. First I think your engine will pull about as good as a 302 will if not better. Your gearing, I don't know if they used the 4.11 so I'd say the 3.73 would be the one to look for unless you get a 5 speed, they you can allow for the 3.55 or 3.73. I don't think they mated a ZF to a 300-6 as it is a BB transmission. Thus you'd have the mazda tranny with the 5 speed. Bumping the automatic out of overdrive when towing saves it from jumping in and out of OD. Plus it most likely runs hotter with the extra pressure if towing in OD. Get a tranny cooler if you get the automatic. Others can probably tell you of your transmission options with the automatics. If there is more than one option, obviously get the more heavy duty one. That and the transmission cooler will keep you out of the shop for longer periods of time.
Next, does the boat weigh 3000 or does boat and trailer weigh 3000? If you go over 3000 lbs, you'll need trailer brakes and if they are electric, you'll need a brake controller to send the juice there. If you can get a used truck with these things already on, especially with the tranny cooler, it would be beneficial.
Good luck,
Tony

 

>I don't think they mated a ZF to a 300-6
>as it is a BB transmission. Thus you'd have the mazda tranny
>with the 5 speed.

Recently discovered that they did indeed make a ZF-5 speed for the small block. That would be the one to go after.

>Good luck,
>Tony

 

Tony!

I had a 94 F250 HD Super Cab, 8' bed, HD that had a 351W (5.8L) that had a ZF 5 speed, and pulled a 26' flatbed that probably weighed in around 8-10,000 lbs. I pulled it from N.C. to Cal. That trans was absolutely great. It had the bottom end for pulling and the overdrive.
It is possible to get the ZF in a small block. I now find myself the proud owner of a '93 F250 with a 6/5pd. To my dismay it has the Mazda 5 speed, which is geared more like a car trans, in that it has no granny gear if you want to call it that. I really like the truck other than this one minor(?) detail. After owning this truck I'm not even sure if you can get a ZF behind a 300, or in a 1/2 ton.
My dad pulls an 8,000 lb 34' Dutchman travel trailer coast to coast all the time with a 96 F150 6/5spd, so a 3,000 lb trailer shouldn't be a problem. He pulls mostly in 4th gear also for the same reason as it's recomended not to use O/D with the automatic. 5th gear just flat won't hold the load so you have to go to 4th. As Tony stated when in O/D on an auto it is constantly hunting, therefore increasing trans temps and causing premature failure.

Trail Rider

 

the 300 six is a gutless engine that pigs as much gas as my
good ol 390 from 1970(lays rubber no problem if the load doesnt move), the 300 is in a 96 250!!!go for manual since
auto cannot hold a load at all. the 6 can tow on flat land not bad
at all,but when you hit the hills be prepared to keep the pedal
to the metal and gear down. do not use OD cause it puts alot
strain on an auto while towing. Use something low like 4:11 if
you plan on using a 6...I suggest a V-8 like a 5.4 liter or larger
cause they suck the same amount gas as a 300six does(thats because
with the six has to put in alota reving to keep stuff moving)




Fe power

 

>Also what is the
>deal with not using OD to tow with an automatic?Some people
>have told me they have read this in owners manuals.

They haven't read that in a Ford owner's manual. Ford states that you can tow in overdrive as long as the transmission is not shifting in and out of overdrive frequently.

I expect you would have no problem staying in overdrive towing 3,000 pounds, unless you get on some grades.

Mark