Does anyone know if these specs will hold true for the long run or if this is just the initial production schedule?

HEAVY-DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE (627)

Usage:Increases GVWR to 8200 lbs. for improved payload and towing

Availability: Regular Cab Styleside 8.0' box (145" WB) or SuperCab 8.0' box (163" WB)

I am guessing that this is what you will need to tow 9500 lbs. Opinions?

Thanks

Frank T. Lee

 

Wow, that would be great. Where'd you find that information?

 

B R Marz,

It is in the ordering guide. I want to order the FX4 package but, you cannot order the Payload Package on it. I wonder what the tow rating is without it? Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Frank T. Lee

 

I posted a very similar question on a different message board and haven't heard much.

I have a hard time beleiving this payload package will only be available with an 8ft bed.

It seems a bit hard to find people in the know on the half ton side of things.

Hopefully, somebody knows or can find this information for us.

 

We can figure this out if someone know two things. One, what is the GVWR rating without the package? Two, what is the weight of the truck?

Thanks,

Frank T. Lee

 

the webmaster had some specs at the end of the first drive article, after looking at it, the FX4 having the 5.4 V8 & 3.73ls axle, the max towing would be 8100lb for the reg cab 6ft bed, 9300lb for the supercab, and 9200lb for the supercrew.

 

This sucks! Did you notice the "*" next to the tow ratings? It is only 9300 for the SC if you get 17" wheels, which will not look good on the FX4. Why can't they offer the 4.10s or the payload package in the FX4?

Frank

 

I didn't notice the "*". I don't see why the 18" wheels would change the tow rating though, or why Ford can't offer the 4.10 diff, I would think the 4.10 would even improve off road performance.

 

Taka look at the chart. You don't need the payload package in order to tow 9500 pounds. The 2wd Supercab and Supercrew with the 5.4L, 3.73, and 17" wheels can both tow 9500 pounds as well. 4wd = slightly less, 9200-9300. Payload package = payload increase by about 1000 pounds, not any increase in towing, according to the specs.

Regardless, if you plan to tow much more than 5000 pounds regularly, get a Superduty. Brakes, suspension, frame, and engines are more appropriate.

 

CSPinson,

Correct me if I am wrong. I think that adding bigger wheels and tires effectively decreases your axle-ratio. If your axle-ratio is 3.73 with 17" wheels and tires, it would be less with the 18" wheels and tires (i.e. 3.60). This would reduce the towing rating. Is this right?

APT,

I wonder why Ford did not hookup something with 9500 lbs. to see how the truck would perform in the First Drive tests.

P.S. I want 4.10s for the FX4!

Frank

 

The effective drive ratio is one possible reason for reduced load, but more liekly it is the laod ratings for the tires. Ford brought out the 265/70R17 truck tires in 1997 and now the 18". Yes, 18 and larger rims are availible now but the wheels/tires are generally not as capable for heavy loads.

For the First Drive tests, it was probably more a matter of using a trailer that all models could pull. Not much sense in having one trailer weighing 9500 pounds, another 8200, and another 7800, although that could easily be modified by changing the cargo. So, I don't know.

 

Frank, I think you are right. I didn't even think about that, but if they would add the 4.10 diff that should make up for the loss w/18" wheels.