I'm looking to buy a 2002 F150 and will be towing between 6000 and 6500lbs. Should I go with the 7700lb payload package to get the 3.73s, or will an upgrade to 3.55s be sufficient? I would be getting the 5.4 with an auto tranny.

Is limited slip necessary?

Also, as far as the Class III tow package. The receiver is rated for 5000lbs weight-carrying, and 8700lbs weight-distributing. Is it possible to get a weight-distributing setup on a boat trailer? I'm familiar with the bars to a-frame setup on a travel trailer, but not with a boat trailer, where the a-frame is much further back.

Could I mount the Class V receiver from an F250 to the F150?

Thanks for the input!

 

Hi MP

JMO....,seems the 7700# with 3.73 LS would be a good combination. If you dont need/want 4X4, then get the LS for sure. That could come in handy at slippery boat ramps etc.
Sometimes we end up hauling/towing more..so that 7700# will give you a little stretching room.

What are you towing? Yes, equalizer hitch for sure if TT.

If thats boat/trailer wt....i dont know if wd hitch available..if not, then yes, you would need a heavier wt. rated hitch. Thus the 7700# will be appreciated even more.

Maybe someone here knows for sure.

Good luck...OT

 

Hi OT,

Thanks for the input. Yes, I'd be towing a boat. I do want the 4x4, so as you implied, the LS probably isn't necessary.

The availability of a weight-distributing setup for a boat trailer was actually my other concern. It would be great if I could get some info from someone on that.

Thanks,
MP

 

mptruck,

In my sig you'll see what I tow with my Expy with a 3.55 LS rear. Id does very nice considering it's anywhere form 7000-7200# or more depending on fuel, water and gear.

The boat trailer likely has surge brakes, like mine. If so, weight-distributing is a no go. Reese actually told be yes you can do it, but also said I should set it up such that it's not really doing anything until extreme situations. A boat trailer built right will load the boat so that it's really sitting nice. I don't use WD setup but I did replace the OEM Class III with a Putnam Class VI. You'll likely not find a Class V for it. The Putnam is rated for 8000# carrying. Not much difference but the finish looks sooo much better and I have peace of mind knowing I'm using properly rated equipment (incuding 10000# ball mount and 8000# ball).

Mine handles very well in all situations so far. My Expy is rated for 7800# towing so I'm pretty much as high as I'd want to go but it does great. Wind, manuvers, braking etc.

I would get all I thought I ever needed. 7700# package and 3.73 LS would be ideal. Mine's a 2 wheel drive but I've never once even come close to slipping.

If you're towing a 6500# boat, it's a fairly good size boat. When (notice I didn't say "if"? ) you get 2-footitus, you'll either need the extra towing capacity or you'll be in a slip.

Good luck

 

mptruck, get the Limited Slip, 4x4 or not.

If it cost 5 or 6 hundred then you could make an argument for passing on it but, at a little over two hundred, it's money well spent.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Looks like I'll be going with a 4x4, 7700 (which comes with 3.73), and LS. I think I found one today that I like, except that it has electric 4x4 shift - I wanted a manual. The 7700's seem hard to come by in Mass.

How can I check to see that a 2002 F150 has the correct 1.42 radiator? And also engine and tranny coolers?

Thanks a lot!

MP

 

look at the radiator core thickness. Pull back the shroud by
the rad cap and measure the thickness...It's most likely a 1"
core....

The trailer tow package come with a aux trans cooler and
a power steering cooler. Peek thru the grill down low..the big
one is thr trans cooler..the smaller unit is the power steering
cooler !!!