4.6 for Towing

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Jul 7, 2001 | 07:02 PM

BMc

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4.6 for Towing

I have a '97 F150, 4.6, AOD, 3.55 with 31" tires and a K&N Charger (this by the way was worth the investment!). I'm aware the 31" tires comprimised the tow gearing but then again, I'm not retired so I only use the trailer 8-10x/yr if I'm lucky. I do however get off-road more often than that.

I just purchased a 25' Toy Hauler, 4400lb dry weight, estimating 6000? loaded. To get to the point...I need more power! (Don't we all)

So, do I ....

1) put another grand or so into the 150 for a 3" exhaust and lower gears (what ratio?)?

2) trade up to an F250?

What about the brakes on the 1/2 ton? Granted, Ford claims the F150 can tow 7000lbs and I have electric drum brakes on a tandem axle.

Your comments are appreciated.

...Quest for Power (or a low interest auto loan)

Jul 7, 2001 | 08:04 PM

horsepuller

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Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 7,298

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From: Southern California

4.6 for Towing

Generally when you try to modify something to do what it was not designed to do, the results are less than satisfying. (In my experience).

I would say upgrade to an F-250. But hey, I'm not the one paying for it! ;-)

Everything is stronger and more heavy duty on an F250. As you pointed out even if you are able to increase towing power, the brakes will still be marginal on your F150.

If you are considering regearing the F150, 3.73, 4.10, and 4.30 are the axle ratios the F250 is available with. Since you have OD, 4.10 or 4.30 might be best in your case.

Click on the link below to get an idea how different axle ratios will effect your truck. You'll have to kind of work it backward by changeing the numbers until the tire size comes out right, but it's a pretty useful tool.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/gearcalc.html

Jul 8, 2001 | 07:08 AM

DeenHylton

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Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 966

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From: Crooked River Ranch, OR

4.6 for Towing

Go for the F250. I'd say a 351 will be underpowered unless you run a minimum of a 4:11 gear. A 460 with an automatic and 3:55 gearing will be sufficent with 6,000 lb. trailer load. Your mileage for your daily driving WILL suffer...don't expect to get much more than 11-12 MPG with the 460 (7-8 MPG towing)...slightly better with the 351.

Deen Hylton
Ford F250 460 C-6, K&N, Headers, Dual Exh.,Comp. Cams,Shift Kit
Pioneer CD w/Bose Speakers.
Other Passion: Blown 77 Corvette (Sorry Guys/Gals)
How I can afford to Drive the above: 93 GEO Metro

Jul 10, 2001 | 12:16 AM

BMc

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4.6 for Towing

Thanks for the input. Guess it's time to start shopping. Figuring on an F250, 5.4 at minimum. I don't know squat about diesels but I'm sure to be getting the crash course now that I'm in the market.