I have recently bought a 1997 F-250 LIGHT DUTY with I think the 3.55 gears in it and I was wondering if anyone knew how much this could handle while towing. IT has the 4x4 package and has the 5.4 litre engine in it. I am pretty sure it has the Ford hitch on it and has the 16 inch wheels. Any input is a big help. Thanks a lot

 

Well, first off, if it's a LD 250, it has 3.73 gears, so that helps you out a lot.

The towing rating for my 150 w5.4 and 3.55's is 7800, so I would think it's around 8400. Wouldn't tow that much without some serious weight management stuff (i.e. antisway bar, equalizing hitch, etc.)

Hope this helps,
-Flea

 

It also depends on if it's a stick or an automatic.

Take care,
-Chris

 

I have the 3.73 rear end in my F-150 5.4l with the Class 3 towing package!

My max weight I can pull is 8300#'s

That number came from Ford!
Thats with an automatic too

Yours maybe alittle higher due to it being and F-250 (Heavier frame and shocks?)

Hope that helps

 

The ratings are different for varying packages. Get your VIN and contact Ford to see if it has a towing package option on it. You will lose a little towing capacity with the 4x4, but not too much. The LD 250 is totally different than the SD250. The LD is based on the 150. Also depends if you have a extra cab or standard. This is why you'll need to get it from Ford, not here.
An example from the 2001 FoMoCo Tow guide:

F250SD w/3.73 and 5.4L 4x4
7,600 Standard cab, 7,300 Supercab

F150 w/3.73 5.4L 4x4
8,400 Standard cab, 8,300 Supercab

Strange the 150 out does the SD250. That's why you need to be sure. If you're over the tow capacity and get involved in an accident, you setup will be weighed, and the insurance company will leave you in the cold. After you've got everything hooked up and loaded on the truck, weigh the whole setup. Stay 10% below the tow rating of the truck, minium.

 

Thanks for telling me all this I will check out the FoMoCo Towing Guides and find out