Manual transmission towing
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6
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From: San Deigo, CA
Manual transmission towing
So I know I am going to get a lot of grief for even asking this question, but hopefully newbies get a little slack...
I have a 1997 F-150 4x2, 4.6L, 3.55 axle, 5 spd with 83K miles. When I bought it, I didn't have any real need for towing but I assumed that the capacity would be fine based on my knowledge of older Ford's where the manual tranny's could tow fine. Much to my suprise, the manual is rated at 3300 lbs and the same automatic is rated at 7200 lbs.
I am in the planning on bringing a boat into the mix which will be around 6000 lbs. I am not planning on long distance towing and I know the HP will be lacking for freeway speed. At some point I will replace the truck but I was trying to not buy a new truck and a boat all in the same year. I was thinking that there should be some upgrades to a heavy duty clutch that would at least make the short distance towing safe.
Does anyone know if the difference in tow rating is because of the clutch or the transmission or something else?
Any comments would be appreciated.
I have a 1997 F-150 4x2, 4.6L, 3.55 axle, 5 spd with 83K miles. When I bought it, I didn't have any real need for towing but I assumed that the capacity would be fine based on my knowledge of older Ford's where the manual tranny's could tow fine. Much to my suprise, the manual is rated at 3300 lbs and the same automatic is rated at 7200 lbs.
I am in the planning on bringing a boat into the mix which will be around 6000 lbs. I am not planning on long distance towing and I know the HP will be lacking for freeway speed. At some point I will replace the truck but I was trying to not buy a new truck and a boat all in the same year. I was thinking that there should be some upgrades to a heavy duty clutch that would at least make the short distance towing safe.
Does anyone know if the difference in tow rating is because of the clutch or the transmission or something else?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 337
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From: San Diego, CA
