First off I have a 97 4.6L 5spd 4x4 with 3.55 gears. Why is the 5spd rating much lower in towing capabiltiy than the automatics. In my dads manualy of his 93 comparing the 302's, the 5spd towed about 300 lb more. What has changed if anything at all?

 

Ford didn't want to warranty the clutch.

 

I agree it the clutch. But I pull 4500lbs with my ford V-6 manual trans. and so far no problems. But according to owners manual I am over loading by 1100lbs. But some people don't down shift when going up hills and it will burn the clutch up. I have the same rear end on my truck and I have been pulling my camper for a year with no problems. Just down shift when going up hills.

 

Ford doesn't warranty the clutch anyways. It's a wearable item, just like belts, brakes, and hoses.

The clutch and trans is the weak point. The "average" user doesn't know how to haul a heavy load without slipping the snot out of the clutch from a stop.

-Joe

 

Since the clutch isn't warranted perhaps Ford artificially lowered manual towing rates.

Automatic Trans was $1100 option.
Why sell a low end truck with gobs of towing power?
If you wanted to tow you gots to pay, or that was the way it was to be perceived.

 

No mo' granny low and reverse is a higher ratio then first!! Plus, they had to make the clutch "easy" to press, so that Mom could use it!! Add that all up and it's the weak link in the equation.

Mitch

 

The rated towing was the deciding factor for me.
I wanted a manual trans, as I had one for the previous 20 years.
The reason I was in the market for a full-size truck was for towing.

When I saw the tow rating numbers, I grumbled and then I reached a little deeper in my billfold.

I was so close to getting a 4.6L with manual but, I would have been close to or over the max towing according to Ford.

I wanted a 'comfort zone' rather than living on the edge.