OK, here's the situation:

I need a truck to tow a 28' boat, dry weight ~4800 lbs, actual towing weight (w/ gas and trailer) I'm guessing will be around 7000 - 8000 lbs.

I'll only be pulling it out infrequently (made 4-5 times a year) and then only for short hauls from the lake to the house and back. Otherwise, the truck will be used to haul landscaping and other misc jobs around the house.

I'm thinking about a 94-96 F-series, preferably supercab (got a big dog who likes to go for rides), with a V-8. I don't think I need 4wd.

Will an F-150 do the job, or should I be shopping a 250? Is the 302 or 351 up for it, or will I need to go to the 460?

Any help is much appreciated - the local Ford dealers are 0 help, they want to sell me a new F250 for 35K - no thanks!

Thanks,

Mike

 

A F-150 would be enough. I think you would prefer a 351 because of the 7-8k. A F-250 would be better yet, as would be a 460, but with gas prices, its not nessecary. Make sure you have at least 3.55 gears.

The max trailer weights for a supercab f-150 with a 351 and 3.55 gears is 7300, if you have a good hitch and overload springs, I think you'd be fine.

 

As a towing/hauling engine the 300 I6 is a bit better than the 302, the 351 is better than either and the 460 is better yet. If you're considering a 250 then go for the 460; unless you're willing to step up to a diesel, it just doesn't get any better. You won't notice any mileage difference between the 460 and the 351 either. They both suck (gas).

 

I would suggest a 351 with at least 3.55 gears as well. A 351 will be definately be good enough for the job, but like you said, you would only be towing the boat 4-5 times per year, so there's no reason to go for a 460 or a diesel in my opinion. Whether you want a 150 or a 250 is up to you and what you can find that suites your needs and budget.

Just out of curiosity, what are the horsepower, torque and towing specs for the 460? I know the latter will vary depending on gears, so with the tallest gears available. I always thought the 460 to be a great engine, but my brother told me the only thing the 460 was good for was a boat anchor! He's a Chevy guy! Thanks in advance.

 

Depends on the years. 1988(first of efi)-1993 had 230hp and 390ft/lbs. 1994-1997's had 245hp and 430 ft/lbs. As strange said, the 460 was/is a great engine. It has more power than a pre-vortec 454@230hp and 375ft/lbs. Its a gas hog, but probably the best big block made of its class. I don't know if it would get that much worse than a 351 would. We had a 1991 F-150 2wd 460/5-speed/3.55 that got about 12-14 stock. Our 95 F-150 2wd 3.55 got 14-15 stock.

I think it would have been cool if the lightning would have have a had a modified 460 instead.

 

What's the story on the diesels used in the 1996 model F-series? I've found a 1996 F-250 4x4 that might fit the bill, especially since gas is well over $2.00 a gallon, and diesel is about $1.65. Plus, the diesel should get better mileage, right?

Any input would be great (and the responses I've gotten so far have been very helpful).

Thanks all...

 

"That Diesel" is the almighty Powerstroke. I think they 95-97 Psd's have more power than the current. Although according to specs that isn't true.

7.3L Navistar T444e Direct injection

210hp@3000rpm
425ft/lbs@2000rpm.

The engine itself is a good endine. Tough as nails. And gets good mileage. They have a little bid of a caviatation problem, due to the coolant flowing to fast?

Another thing you want to watch out for is the E40d tranny. The engine produces alot of power, and the E40d can be eaten if it isn't properly cooled. I have only heard of a few cases of this happening. None of ours anyway.

more diesel info
www.ford-diesel.com