Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Towing question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 11:52 AM
  #1  
77custom408's Avatar
77custom408
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
Towing question

I have a 1991 F-150 4x4 5spd with the 4.9 six and was wandering what the max tow weight and safe tow weight is on that model truck
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 12:54 PM
  #2  
guitarnik's Avatar
guitarnik
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
From: foristell, missouri
as much as your truck ccan handle. i think i towed close to 11000 lbs with my old f150 302 e4od. it wasnt easy but it did it, just be careful stopping and turning cause all that weight takes weight off the front tires
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 08:32 PM
  #3  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The recommended tow rating depends upon the axle gearing, with fuel milage gearing (2.73 or 3.08) it's only rated for a utility trailer.. 2000lb and under, add another ton for 3.55 gears and yet another if it has 4.10's.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 09:36 PM
  #4  
nat13_3's Avatar
nat13_3
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: N.B., Canada
I've read that the 5spd assuming it's the mazda is only good for 2500lbs untill you start putting a lot of wear on the clutch. I could be wrong though.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 10:44 PM
  #5  
PatsPOS's Avatar
PatsPOS
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: Portage Twp, PA
I think I read in the owner's manual of my '89 that with the 4.9, M5OD, and 3.08 gears, the truck is rated to pull 2900 lbs. Now, having said that, I've towed 6500 lbs with that setup, and with the exception of a little more clutch slipping and relatively slow pulls uphill, the truck kicked ***.

Should probably mention that I've swapped out the original springs for ¾-ton springs all the way around...made a big difference.

My 2¢...
Pat
 
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2009 | 11:43 AM
  #6  
77custom408's Avatar
77custom408
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
Thanks for the replies, i was just concerned cause im pretty shure im moving next year and i need to tow my 77 F-150 4x4 to my new residence. Im in the process of removing the old tired 302 and also the trans and transfer case to lighten the load some and have the complete front clip off. I hope my old faithful will pull her alright
 
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2009 | 12:01 PM
  #7  
MrWillys's Avatar
MrWillys
Cross-Country
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Reno, NV
If you flat tow it, it will be easier. I mean that putting a towbar on the 77 VS putting it on a trailer. I've been towing my Jeep for years ( I order them with 3.55's) this way loaded with camping gear, and dogs and kids. My Jeep is light being a 55 at 2800, but when you load on the rest of the crap, and pull it to 6500 feet in the Seirra it puts a strain on her.
Just pull the bumper and fab some brackets and go!
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:03 AM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE