Hi Guys/Gals

Recent posts ive made and some feed back received...Tks.

I did seach/re-reading etc....so

My ride 99SC F250LD XL (looks like F150) GVWR: 7200# 4X4 4.6L A.T. 4R70W with LS 3.73 27000mi. on eng/11000 on new a.t. Plus others: snugtop/ss nerf bars/lund b. shield/chrome wheels/black flares/x-mount mirrors/remote O.F./ White ext/gray inside. Ext. warr. A really nice looking truck. Geez! i should list this on the classifieds/maybe not.

Perf. mods.....Schip flipchip 87/92oct..cat. back...K&N drop-in.

Had this truck way before i bought TT....With the load i carry + weight of travel trailer...im approx: 400# under GCWR...I did weight everything..single, loaded, together, tongue wt. etc.

The perf. mods. have helped..still not enough. I do OK solo and best mpg: 17mpg. Towing: 10 1/2mpg. This truck/powertain gets pushed when towing, some uphill grades, 2nd gear..+/- 25mph. I guess they might call me..Caboose On flat around 55-60mph. Can go faster, prefer not to!

Sorry, trying to keep short but hard to do..

My upgrade list (mods) to do?

Tachometer....engine water oil cooler....bigger a.tranny cooler?...tranny/water temp. guage...and to increase hp...a blower.. radiator is OK. Gears...4:10/front/rear?

Have i missed anything?

Now, if i do all this, maybe more?...I guess this is where the crap shoot comes in...I still have a 4.6L with 4R70W a.t. Do upgrades and keep truck?..Of course if i hit the jackpot here.. a no brainer..PSD! Anyone tow with a blower?

What would do? Thanks for any advice/opinions/horse laffs etc.

Good luck....OT

 

4.11 rear gears, it'll raise you cruise RPM about 10%, but the hills wouldn't be at 25 mph any more.
My .02

 

Hi OT;

I tow close to my tow rating (6500# TT) and my Expy was not great. I made most of the same changes as you.

I went from 3.55 to 4.10 and it made a big difference but since you have 3.73, the difference would be less noticeable. I have a Magnacharger but haven't put in on yet.

I am expecting to get more towing power from my 5.4 with the blower. I am also going to upgrade my tranny cooler at the same time. I think the weak link in your setup with the blower would be the 4R70.

Only you can decide if you want to put a $4k blower or $1200 gears in your truck. It might be cheaper to trade in for a used PSD SD. If you buy the blower, you won't need the gears.

Ian

 

Take the money you are going to spend on mods and use it as a down-payment on a Super Duty. If you want and can afford the PSD then go for it... otherwise, the V10 is nice engine at a good price.

If you decide to upgrade your existing truck, don't forget about stopping that load. Invest some $$ in better brakes & rotors.

 

O.T.,

Unfortunatly, you just have too much trailer for your rig. I know what the specs say it'll tow, and while you are within those specs, the "Real World" has caught you.

All the F250 LD is getting you is added payload. You still have the same motor/tranny as an F150. Sure, your 3.73 gears are helping, but towing is way different then hauling something in the bed. (as I'm sure you already know. )

Your "cooling" mods will help your rig last a little longer, but your gonna be working it pretty hard no matter what you do. A blower will just add to the strain. What you need is torque, not necessarily HP.

Go with the gears first. You didn't say what size tires you are running, but I'll assume they are the stock size.......

That'll be the best Bang for your Buck in addition to the mods you already have done.

I'm considereing a TT in the near future too, but only going to get one that has a maximum loaded weight of 5000 #'s (and I think that's gonna be pushing it too). My rig is "rated" for 7000 #'s, but it'll never tow that to my satisfaction.

Good Luck. Put the blower money away for a SD. That's what you really need to tow anything with.......

 

Hi Guys..

Tks. for input...Yeah, im still adding up $$$$$ mod. costs...

Upon closer inspection...found out my truck(4.6L) does have the engine oil cooler...geez! Missed it the first time i looked...

I guess the rad. water helps to cool, but i still dont think thats as good as the old up front oil coolers...anyhow...guess ill leave it along...dont want to loose my remote oil filter.

Saw specs on new 6L PSD, maybe avail. as 03 model?...but thats really big $$$, I dont think id have to mod. it.

Good luck...OT

 

I wonder if the new "baby diesel" that will be going into the F-150 will be what you need?

 

ot
i am a service manager for an rv dealership . what size trailer and model do you have?

 

Hi Dennis

Yes, i saw the specs. on the V6 diesel F150...that maybe available for 03, but havent confirmed that yet.

Im still looking at my options...its all a crap shoot, im just trying to better my odds. V8- PSD 6L, probably more than i need, V6 maybe not enough? Upgrade my 99SC and pray?

Hi Mac

My TT....01..Trail Lite (super lite weight) 23'...#7231. It tows great, a nice TT. I matched that TT to my truck. But, have snugtop on bed, auto. boat loader and 13' alumn. gregor boat sitting on top. Motor etc, inside. Hence, close to maxing out GCWR for my truck.

I know Ford says "Built Tough" but how tough?

OT.....

 

ahhhhhhh lost my post ...........lol

 

I say get a new truck like a 250 super duty.

 

you need at least the 5.4 if nothing else. In a perfect world, go for a F350 PSD, but give the cost of that option I think an F150 7700# package with 5.4 and the mods you have now should move your trailer just fine.

 

Hey found this on that v-6

http://www.bonforums.com/powertrain/engine_diesel45.htm