Hey all,

I know there's a tow forum but I thought I'd ask the 73-79 guys first.

I'm looking at a 78 F100 w/a 302 and a 3 on the tree. 2WD SWB stepside. I have one already but she has been in storage since 2004. It's getting rusty. A tree fell on it (damaged hood and roof). It needs paint. I am thinking of buying this nice clean california truck, swapping in my 351 and the short bed - start with a truck that is clean and rust free (even the bed on my original (Missouri)truck was purchased in California!)

Anyway if I did this I would need to drive her east at some point, I may have to tow a 92 Taurus SHO Wagon - about 3700 pnds. Is this feasable? If so what would be the best way? Tow bar? Dolly? Should I just ship one of them and drive the other?

 

should be no prob if it runs good

 

Tow bars suck, especially if you have to go far. Trailers are best obviously, but a dolly will be ok so long as the cars drive wheels are not the ones on the pavement. If you spin a transmission in nuetral fo a long time, like when towing it, it could very well burn up the tranny for lack of lubrication since its not running.
That SHO Wagon sure sounds neat though. When ever I get around to it, (you all know how that goes), I have an '85 turbo coupe 2.3 turbo /5spd full drivetrain to go into my '60 Falcon 2dr wagon.

 

Very light duty, a small 302, a weak 3-on-tree, short wheelbase?

It'd like towing a semi with a Focus.

 

That's what I'm wondering. Back in 04 I towed my 93 Mustang GT from Fort Leonard Wood MO w/a dolly to the Tennessee Alabama border (with the truck in my sig). It was the drive from hell. The truck was all over the road. I am not sure if it was the short wheel base, the dolly, or my tires (I had had problems w/them).

Could I expect the same towing w/this truck? Would the truck be all over the road due to the short wheel base?

 

might tow a bit (loose) but If you take it slow you should be ok. I'd go for it. But, I also put over 3200 lbs in the box of my 78 1/2 ton on occasion as well. Sinks the whole truck right to the ground. I drive slow and she loves it!

 

Yup. The longer the wheelbase is, the smoother the tow.

Besides with a configuartion like that F100, I wouldn't be surprised if it has 2.75 ratio axle in the rear end.

 

Well, I may rethink that then. As long as I live I will never forget the terror of that 10 hour drive with the front end of my truck going wherever it felt like. I think it would be worse driving across country. And over the Rocky Mountain's. I had hoped it was just the tires but a few people have told me that towing w/a short bed can be hairy.

 

I have been towing with my trucks for over 25 years. everything from a small cargo trailer to 40' fifthwheel travel trailers. The shorter the wheelbase on the tow vehicle, the worse the tow. Especially if the towed vehicle weighs more than the tow vehicle. Personally, I would rethink this as you stated. Good luck!
Dak

 

OK, Yu guys have me convinced. Still thinking of buying the truck thou. This place is amazing. Hardly any rust at all (California, central coast region). Seems like the smarter thing to do, buy this one (ship it east when uncle sam sends me there) Swap in my 5.8, put on my fleetside bed and some other parts off my old one. Seems smarter than having to redo my rustry MO truck.

Anyway, thanks for the advice on towing. Funny, when I started building my other 78 back in 99 I was on this site all the time. At the time the 73-79 forum was the biggest by far. Not any more. Our trucks are getting older I guess.

 

Drive it or ship it, that's about it.

It used to be the biggest because there wasn't a 1973/79 forum. It used to be the 1961/79 forum.

EDIT: I just saw your gallery. I remember your truck back then. People heckled you over the wheels.

 

Your towing might not be too bad with the right tires.
I have found out that a LOT of sway when towing comes from under rated tires.
The only problems that "three on the tree" would give you is the difference in engine rpm between gears.
I understand that old "3.03" top loader is one tough cookie.
Better than a slushbox (IMHO).

Give your truck a good kick on the side of the back bumper.
Does the truck wiggle like it's on a spring?
If it does, your tires stink for towing, just like mine.

Hope this helps,
Murph.

 

Don't remember the heckling but I will admit I got them on the cheap. That truck nickle and dimed me to death. Coupled w/new baby, and just bought our first house, By the time wheels came up I was tapped. Think I paid 40/wheel at pep boys!

I'm going to see the 78 Monday.