I decided to go ahead and purchase this 1991 Lariat with the 302. Pulls well. BUT,
the towing capacity isn't what I'd like it to be. Most folks out here just deal with it--lots of farming, and they don't care what the numbers say--they'll pull as much as they need to.

I, on the other hand, would like to beef up this truck so that it meets the maximum GCWR listed in the owner's manual. I need to know what differences there were in the trucks that can pull only 3500 pounds versus those that are rated for 7700 pounds (all are 302s with 3.55 axle and auto tranny--just different GCWR listed in the manual.)

Maybe someone who knows about the older Ford trucks will know??

Looks like this truck has the standard radiator. He does have a tranny cooler installed--looks stock. There are four leaf springs in the back--not sure if this is more than stock or not.

Thanks for any helpful replies,

Mike

 

Is it automatic? a 4x4? What more can you tell me about the truck? I'll see what I can find.

 

Mike, My 93 has the factory trailer package. It has the largest radiator available for a F-150 and it NEVER goes above the N in normal. Even in 105 degree heat. There are a lot of things you could do to make your truck a pulling beast.
1-lower rear gears-3:55's are fine for average pulling, but 4:10's are alot better.
2-overloads springs-I have these, and you cannot pull the bed down while pulling a car trailer with a scout on it.
3-consider synthetic tranny fluid, it shifts harder, but willnot get hot.

Remember that pre-92's w/trailerpackage only had a wireing harness, not a plug, you will have to add one. They also didnt have a factory hitch. You will gain alot of controll with a hitch.

 

If it is any comparison, my 5.0 does not go above the "N" for any reason either. No matter the weather. My friend has the exact same truck, only 4x4 and automatice. His does not go above the "N" either.

 

This truck is a 4x2 with 3.55/auto/302. The radiator is the standard version, not the "super engine cooling" that Ford claims is needed for pulling >3500 pounds.

I suspect there are some differences in the suspension, too, for pulling trailers over 3500 pounds, as Ford says that a special handling package is also required for trailers in that category.

I want to find out what the differences are, so that I can add the parts to my truck to give it the higher capacity, just like it came with those parts from the factory.

Thank you for your replies, and I appreciate any future help on this subject! Nice truck, just needs a little backbone added.

Mike

 

Pastmaster,

Thanks for the help! At least now I know what I need to add to get the weight up.

I left the truck with the dealer... trying to decide if I want to let go of my newer truck that'll pull 5800 pounds as is, or go with the used truck (that I like better, has an extended cab and a V-8 and looks great!)

He's hanging onto it till Monday, with my $300 check for holding.

This truck has the AOD. Everyone I have talked to says go ahead and buy it. The AOD will handle 5000-6000 pounds easily they say. This tranny is flawless--smooth shifting and quiet. I can add the handling package items later to make pulling a heavier trailer (more than 3500 pounds) safe.

I know you can't make this decision for me, but what'cha think?

-Mike

 

Mike--For me, it all comes down to money. If the dealer is offering a good price, then you probably should go for it. But as for what, your needing, you might consider a 3/4 ton. You said earlier that you want a long bed supercab, all 3/4 tons came with a longbed, and the standard engine was the 351, which a 3/4 will easily pull 10k pounds w/o any problems. 3/4tons are built for pullng, and although rare, are usually a little cheaper, because most everyone wants a 1/2ton. Youll lose a little mpg, and the ride is a tad harsh, but youll feel more assured that a 3/4ton will in no doubt do your job better than a 1/2 ton will. Remember that a 3/4ton is ment to pull and haul a heavier load, so it is built heavier too. most every 3/4 around here has trailerpackage, and larger radiators and etc. The dealer here in my town has several pre-92 Supercab long bed F-250's equipped with either a 351,460, or the 7.3 diesel. most have around 120k. I am not sure about prices though. I don't think they are harder to drive than a 1/2 ton, although parking is a bit tough, not any tougher than parking a supercab 1/2ton longbed. As far as transmissions go, the c-6(non overdrive) is the best way to go, that tranny is bulletproof. The early E4od's were prone for breakdowns, so be carefull about them. The AOd is nonelectric, so they are a good choice, just make sure the truck has a cooler.

My dad had a 1991 F-250 equipped with the 460 and a 5-speed. I know of several times when he pulled a trailer over 12k lbs, without any problems. I wouldnt consider going over 8k with my 1993 F-150 302/E40d.

good luck mike!!!!

 

I see what your saying mike.

Ill post the 91 brochures contents in the cooling, towing, and handling package below.

Superengine Cooling-consisted of a larger radiator

Trailering package--Superengine cooling,auxiliary tranny oil cooler, bright mount swingaway mirrors, trailerwiring harness, heavy-duty signal flasher, handling package, heavy duty battery.

handling package--front/rear stabilaizer bars, heavy duty front/rear shocks, heavy duty front springs.

By the way, what tranny do you have? If you have OD,d,1 you have the AOD. Od,2,1 and a dash mounted cancel switch, you have the E40d.

hp on the 91 302 was 185 and torque was 270. It also says, it's ideal for towing up to 8100 lbs.

 

Well, I bit the bullet on this 1991 truck. Liked the price (most important thing!) and can upgrade parts as necessary to get me where I want to be. The colors are nice, too!! (Dark green on tan, tan interior.)

The previous owner was a retired fellow who pulled a 2-horse gooseneck with the truck. Wife sold the truck to the dealership when he passed away.

Lots of farmers around here use this exact type of truck for their work. As a matter of fact, a local tranny shop and one of the dealers near town both said they know of farmers who pull 6-7000 pounds with the exact truck I have with no problems. They said the AOD is well up to the task. So the only issue is adding suspension parts. The truck already has a tranny cooler, although I can obtain a heavier-duty version. A heavier-duty radiator is in order, but no time really soon.

Nice thing is, the 302 has plenty of aftermarket parts available. My V-6 truck had very little. I can supercharge this truck, add headers, etc. Very nice engine and should be a good tinker toy. Expect to be just fine for now, and even better once I add a few goodies...


Going to start with shocks as my first upgrade. Are air shocks recommended? Will they be better than the heavy-duty shocks Ford used on the heavier F-150s? What are the best shocks for the money, that still perform as well or better than Ford's heavy-duty shocks?

Mike

 

Pastmaster,

I'm guessing that not everyone who ordered the handling package and super engine cooling also got the E40D transmission. Is there any way I can find out the towing capacity for a '91 F-150 with the AOD, handling package, and bigger radiator?

Any way I can find a '91 sales brochure?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Mike, your absolutely correct, the 302 has been made for been made since the late 60's? It has a lot of great potential and does excellent mileage. I get 20mpg with mine! I am not sure about the packages and the E40d, thats something a ford mechanic or the dealer can help you with...

As for brochures, the dealer may be able to help, and try looking up "dealership brochures/literature" on a search engine.

 

Thanks, Pastmaster. I will check into this--every now and then you find a mechanic who likes these old trucks and who'll take the time to talk about them!

Tell ya what... the plug change was a nightmare! Thank goodness a friend had the right tools! Runs so much better, and I bet I picked up another 10mpg... <grin>

Mike