I am looking at a boat that weights 4500# Will my truck with a 4.6 and 5 speed transmission pull it?

 

Yes it will. In fact, it will pull it just fine and dandy.

However, Ford limits it due to people not knowing how to drive stick and the weak input shaft.

But, I've towed a 6000# many times with my V6 5 speed F150 and it had no problems. But that was with my '99... so I can only imagine with your V8 with that 5 speed, that it should be like cutting butter with a hot knife.

The only recommendation I have is to start slow and not to slam the transmission. Other than that, you should be more than fine.

 

Thanks For the help

 

Not a problem.

When you get a chance, take some pictures of it hooked up...

 

If I get the boat I will post a picture with it hooked to the truck. I looked up the weight on nada of the boat. It is a1987 Regal 255 Ambassador

 

I really appreciate all your help

 

You shouldn't have a problem. I towed a 26' with my '99 and it was not a problem. In fact I had too much power on certain ramps. But then again, my tires at the time were kind of balded. hehe

Just think it through when you are messing with the clutch. Don't give it too much gas and and don't give it too little and be wary on when to totally let off... it can surprise you... depending on the tilt of the boat ramp.

I only had one instance of a slight problem, was when I was on a ramp, and whoever designed the ramp to be smooth was dumb. So I kept slipping... so I got my broom and I pushed some small crushed gravel under the tires, and it aided the traction a little bit. But that could've happened to anyone unless they had 4x4 or some really good tires.

However, from experience, I much rather tow with a standard shift than an automatic.

 

Will it pull it? Yes. Should you pull it? NOPE. The official limit is 3500# with a M5OD transmission.

 

that is such a conservative limit its rediculase youll have no problem pulling alittle more i personally have pulled a 7-8k skid steer and i have a 351w in my truck and the m5od was a $75 junkyard trans with a ton of miles on it with no problem i also pulled a landscape trailer which weighs about 5k several days a week for over a year with no problem dont weary about it but if your truck is 4x4 definitly use low range on the boat ramp it will make it much easier and save your clutch

 

Actually it's not a ridiculous number. Teh engineers that designed that transmission didn't pull the numbers out of the air. It was, in fact, tested, and given the design of the trans, I would not recommend using it to tow. It's marginal for moving the truck alone, let-alone dragging a couple of tons behind it. As already mentioned, regardless of how gentle you are with the clutch, the input shaft bearings are the weak point... The cut of the gears forces the shafts apart, and that wears the shaft, bearings, and case bores, especially if you tow in OD.

So, yes, you *can* technically hook it up and pull it. But, you *can* also use a butter knife for a screwdriver... like your truck, it's just not the right tool for the job. Using it once or twice in a pinch isn't going to hurt it, but eventually the knife isn't going to be sharp anymore.

-Joe

 

Thanks everyone for your help. After careful consideration I am not going to fool with this boat I am going to look more at a pontoon. Towing will not be a problem You guys are great

 

My '93 owners manual quotes 7,000 lb limit f/ F-150 4X4 w/ 302, 4.10 gears and M5OD. Must be a Canadian thing as N. America was limited to 3.55s (and 3500 lbs). I'm debating having mine re-geared.

 

ill agree to diagree because i have proved that it can handle way more on a daily basis than the ford "engineers" said it could and to be honest with you i doubt the ford engineers had any input as to what that number is in the book i think it was fords accountants and marketing managers wanting to sell more profitable automatics to customers who dont know any better

 

I'm w/ SUBS. Limited probably due to tall 1st gear and small clutch. And warranty claims due to folks who are unskilled on the clutch.