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f-150 towing capabilities
need info on f-150 fwd manual 4.2 liter rear axial
ratio anyone know what the ratio is for this 1997
f-150 standard cab?
I'm looking for towing limits!
ratio anyone know what the ratio is for this 1997
f-150 standard cab?
I'm looking for towing limits!
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Mine's a '98 and there's a small metal tag through one of the bolts in the casing of the differential with the axle ratio stamped in it. I'd guess your truck has the same thing.
For the '98 the towing limits for a manual 4x2 are 2,300# for the 3.08 rear and 3,600# for the 3.55. That's for the regular cab and the numbers are 200# less for the super cab. They are about 400# less for a 4x4, and all would be over a ton more if you had the automatic transmission. I don't know why they are higher for the auto, but that's why I didn't get a manual transmission this time.
I presume the numbers for the '97 are the same.
Best
zep
Best
zep
The reasons why automatics are rated to tow more in 1/2 ton truck applications is primarily due to the ability of the automatic transmission to absorb system shocks and stresses that might be encountered while towing a heavy load. Look at the ratings for the 3/4 and 1-ton trucks. In most cases the manual transmission applications are rated to tow as much or more than the automatic. This is because these heavier-duty trucks are specifically designed for heavy hauling/towing and therefore have beefier transmissions, driveshafts, rear-ends, etc.
Also remember that there is almost always something "slipping" to some degree inside an automatic transmission whenever it is in gear. These modern transmissions slip an incredible amount just changing gears. This is how they are able to shift so smoothly. This slippage causes wear and heat. This is what causes automatics to wear out. In general, automatics, in addition to being more convenient, are probably fine for light towing applications, but for heavy towing or hauling I would seriously consider a manual.
As far as the "weak link" think goes, it you're at all adept with a clutch you should get more towing miles out of a manual transmission than you would ever be able to with an automatic. Just my semi-educated opinion.
As for autos, the one in my new V10 works just fine. Towing in OD is not a problem, and it ran lightly loaded through Eastern MO in OD with the cruise set to 75... only downshifted once.
If you're running near the limit of your drivetrain over hilly terrain, an automatic will downshift a lot. Your alternative (with a stick-shift) would be to downshift manually (same effect) or to lug the engine. Generally, transmissions are cheaper to fix than engines...
Don't waste your time trying to find someone who can or will help you with gear ratios. And then they might read the wrong line in their book. Most of those guys might have a high school diploma but don't count on it.
Jack up the rear of the truck(be safe and block the front wheels too),put the truck in neutral, put a mark on the driveshaft & the right rear tire. Rotate the tire one complete revolution and count how many times you see the mark on the driveshaft. A 3.55 will rotate 3.55 times, etc. There it is, and someone should have said this already.
Since it's harder to see the position of the d/s mark, it may be easier to count the number of tire rotations per single d/s rotation.
Who said it had to be easy? ;-|
I had always heard, as akjbmw stated, it was two wheel revolutions. Also, this method is for a standard rear end. Limited slip or lockers are null and void.
If one makes the assumption that the rear end is the same ratio as supplied from the factory, just call the customer service number and give them your full VIN. It is a simple matter to cross reference VIN to rear axle ratio.
Rich
I thought limited slip did just that, limit the slip. Don't you still see the same differential effect? I wouldn't expect to be turning the wheel fast or hard enough for the "limiting" to be implemented.
Wouldn't a "locker" (no slip) wheel be unturnable if the other wheel was on the ground? Or is there a speed or torque threshold that is reached before it locks?
I like hanging out here 'cause I keep learning new stuff.
this topic is being "frozen." This topic will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.
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