Ford generally rates an automatic tranny to tow more than a manual. For example, a '95 F150 with a 3.08 rear and auto tranny is rated for 9000 lb GCWR and towing up to 4600 lb trailer, whereas the same truck with manual tranny is rated 6450 GCWR and towing up to 2100 lb trailer. I find it hard to believe that the GCWR is 2500 lbs greater just for having an auto tranny. Wouldn't the higher GCWR also have to have a heavier duty spring package, axle, or something?. Reason I ask is that if it is only that Ford dosen't want complaints of burnt up clutches, then I would go ahead and get a larger, up to 4000 lb trailer, but if it is springs and axle durability, then I should stick with my 2000 lb trailer for now.

 

As some one stated in another post, it is probably just Fords way of protecting itself from warranty work from people who don't know how to drive a straight shift. The rear axle and springs is the same between the auto and stick shift models. Both manual and auto trannies are the same whether used in a 150, 250 or 350.

DannyP
89 F-150 4x4 former EFI I-6 now carbed 351W, Edelbrock heads,cam,intake,carb.
MSD 6A, ZF, Sterling 10.25 with 3.55L's.

 

Thanks, that's what I figured, but want to be sure. As you can see the 2000 lb trailer doesn't seem to weigh the rear end down much at all: https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/User_files/3ab7809202e883ff.jpg

 

>Ford generally rates an automatic tranny
>to tow more than a
>manual. For example, a
>'95 F150 with a 3.08
>rear and auto tranny is
>rated for 9000 lb GCWR
>and towing up to 4600
>lb trailer, whereas the same
>truck with manual tranny is
>rated 6450 GCWR and towing
>up to 2100 lb trailer.
> I find it hard
>to believe that the GCWR
>is 2500 lbs greater just
>for having an auto tranny.
> Wouldn't the higher GCWR
>also have to have a
>heavier duty spring package, axle,
>or something?. Reason I
>ask is that if it
>is only that Ford dosen't
>want complaints of burnt up
>clutches, then I would go
>ahead and get a larger,
>up to 4000 lb trailer,
>but if it is springs
>and axle durability, then I
>should stick with my 2000
>lb trailer for now.


An automatic transmission will handle more torque than a stick tranny.
Also even though a manual truck transmission will have a "granny" gear the torque converter in an auto trans will more than double the amount of available engine torque to the rear wheels as you first start to move.

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