So I towed about 2k# this weekend with my 03 4.6. And damn did it struggle to do it! Flat ground wasnt too bad, but the hills you can forget it! It just didnt like it. So where can I start for more tourque? I really dont wanna put a tuner on this truck, its the wifes. Anything else that may help a little?

 

What mods do you have for a start? Did you take the overdrive off when towing? I dont have a problem unless its wind out, than for get it. It fights to get up to speed or hold the speed!

 

efans, Jmod + Trans cooler

 

Yes the 4.6L is weak. Whenever people ask me if they should buy a 4.6L and 5.4L, I tell them I would rather have a Ranger with a 4.0L than an F150 than a 4.6L.
Gearing could also be a contributing factor. Don't you have over-sized tires?

 

A 4.6 was immediate disqualification when I was looking for mine. It's weak enough in the mustang gt, let alone in a f150 hauling stuff. Even 5.4 is pretty small considering you could get a 5.9 in a dakota.

 

I have a 2002 -150 xcab 4x4, with the 4.6/4R70W tranny.
My additions to make a good tow vehicle were the following:
-4.10:1 gears, dual core radiator, stacked plate tranny cooler, Trans-go shift kit, Class IV hitch, prodigy brake controller, gibson exhaust, Hellwig LP-25 helper springs, Diablo Predator tuner. 12K weight dist. hitch, 235/70/16 tires.
It will pull a fairly good size load with that setup.I pulled a 8.5'x18' enclosed cargo trailer cross country (WA-FL) It ain't no super duty, but she gets the job done.
Check and see what gear ratio you are running, and my suggestion is changin gears out if you are in need of a good towing upgrade.
-2000 lbs? If your truck was struggling with that, you also may want to get a good tune up, to make sure your truck is runnin it's best.

 

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I can tow our machines with my 4.6 and have no problem with it. Our 2 machines weigh about 5500lbs each. My truck doesn't like steep hills but what truck does. I have a K&N intake and a Gryphon. When I tow I shut off OD and usually tow in stock mode. I also only have 3.55 gears.

 

what he said

 

No mods, bone stock. Tune up is 3k miles fresh, plugs air filter and fuel filter. It has the 3.55 LS rear end, with 285/70/17 tires on aftermarket DC wheels. I mean it was a major dissapiontment!

 

The tire size and 3.55 rear are your problem

 

My 4.2 V-6 with 3.55's tows 3000# just fine. The manual trans and lighter body does help.

 

Tires and wheels are a lot heavier than stock. I don't really care for my 5.4L 3.73 axle truck with OEM 17's and heavy BFG in that size.

 

Yeah with those tires, for your truck to tow similar to what it would in stock form, you'll need at least 4.10's, and maybe 4.30 gearing to get some power back. Will be much easier on your trans.

 

Ohio? Steep hills? lol

The 4.6L is 'okay' in flat land, but I would never buy one to tow or work with.
I drove several 4.6L F150s and Expeditions when I lived in Oregon and they are absolutely miserable in the mountains. Trying merging onto a freeway up a mountain with one, even empty, it sucks!





Anyway, 285s and 3.55 gears with a 4.6L must be miserable to drive even without a trailer. I would be looking at 4.10 gears if not lower for that setup.

 

to say the least....