Please - Newbie needs advice with 97 F250/460/3:55
 

Hi.. I'm looking at and considering buying a 1997 F250 with 460, auto trans, 3:55 according to factory code (unsure if been changed in the past), 35" tires and 4" lift.

I have read a lot of mixed info on the towing capabilities and power of the 460.. confusing to say the least.

It would be used as light duty work and fun truck. But... I would also like to be able to tow my 26' travel trailer weighing in at roughly 7500#

Is it enough truck/motor/rear to tow my trailer or not? If not.. is there anything I can do to make it so?

I'm currently using my 2003 2500 Avalanche 496/4:10 to do the job. Will I be disappointed going to the F250?

Attachment 289864

did I ask this question in the right place?

I would think 7500 would no problem with that truck. This issue comes all the time and as you said to confusing.

Yeah.. I have read more positive comments about the 460's pulling capabilities but there are enough negative to make one wonder. :-huh

Yes, you're going from a truck with appropriate towing gearing and over 300hp to one with less favorable gearing that is further compromized with oversized tires and only about 235hp.

Gearing and Tires/wheels and LIFT are all issues for towing...

big tires/wheels will make the 3:55 more like 3:00.... my opinion.. and with less power... I see an overheating transmission soon.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions.. damn shame.. beautiful truck.

Would changing it to 410s and putting smaller tires on.. while leaving the lift make all the difference in the world? Or the lift is still too much for towing?

as to the LIFT... use a drop down hitch bar... not the best but doable...

but new tires/wheels and gears.. lots of money.. AND
if its 4 wheel drive.. THAT IS 2 sets of gears... as front and rear must be the same...

Thanks Chuck.. your camper pic looks familiar. You on RV.net?

Yes, I am, been camping most of my life.

in the 80's and 90's ... motorcycle with popup behind it. and electric brakes.

I think you'd find the 460/3:55s on stock-ish sized tires would pull that load just fine. The tires and lift on the other hand would be an impediment. Are you sure it has 3.55s? I thought the Off Road package usually came with the 4.10 LS rear, but I must be mistaken.

Comparing the 7.5L to that 8.1L, you're going to have a bad time. 3.55 gearing and 35" tires make for a towing nightmare. The 7.5L isn't a huge powerhouse either at 245 HP and 400 ft.lbs.

I say keep looking. I had 96 crew 4x4 with 460 and 3.55 gears. It would pull my 29ft camper fine. Prob was constantly having trans shift. If a squirrel farted in front of me it had to downshift.
It wood pass anything but a gas Station.
Keep the Avalanche imo

I have a 96 with same combo only with stock size tires... I tow 6500 and I am going to swap in 4:10's because I have to contend with lots of hills. With those tires it would be a tiresome tow of 7500 lbs.