I have a 1999 F150 4.2, manual transmission with a 3.08 Axle. The owner's manual rates max. towing at 2500lbs. The Automatic with a 3.31 Axle is rated at 4800lbs. That's a big difference. I always presumed a manual transmission could handle more weight than a Automatic. Any Thoughts?

 

Apparently the input shaft on the M5OD transmission is the weak link and the reason for the significantly lesser towing amount. I had a 97' F150 with the M5OD and I towed some decent loads with it a few times. However, if you're looking to *often* tow more then the recommended weight, I'd either look for a more capable truck, upgrade your gears from 3.08, or accept when parts wear out\break and fix accordingly.

Also, if you search "M5OD" and "input shaft" you will see a lot more results and opinions about this subject. Welcome to the site!

 

The gears are the weak point. In Ford's case- they have a safety margin on there so they don't have 100 blown transmissions coming in every week. I tow ~3500lbs regularly with my 3.55s no problem.

 

The manual truck with 3.55's is rated for 3500#.

 

wow, 1,000 lbs for such a small difference in gearing.

OP should do a gear swap

 

Yah 3.08 gears doesnt sound like enough for towing.

 

if ur gonna do a lot of towing, save the trouble and get 4.10 gears...