08 towing

[Rulebreaker]

Looking at trucks and I'm baffled. This is what i built. http://www52.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/Dispatch.jsp?makeTransition=ToConfig&__action2=&.CurrentState=IBPInventoryVehicleList&statetoken=
This truck would have a 3280# towing capacity, but if i changed to an auto it would increase to 5740#. That makes no sense to me. I know a torque converter helps but 2460# better? Please! RB

 

[Bent Bolt]

It's more like Ford is worried about people not being able to drive a manual trans while towing, ie frying the clutch.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

It's more like Ford is worried about people not being able to drive a manual trans while towing, ie frying the clutch.

Yup, that pretty much sums it up from the conversation in another thread I read on here (probably in the towing forum). An auto tranny tends to be a little more idiot proof than a manual when it comes to towing, thus at least part of the reason as to why it's rated higher. Not that anyone actually listens to the recommendations... I sure don't. I'd much rather tow with my manual Ranger than an auto one. And tow I have... I've had my 88 BII behind it once, my choptop in nearly stock form once, in built form twice, and a built YJ jeep behind it once... plus a couple times of dragging a compressor for a jackhammer... According to the tow rating on my Ranger, despite the heavier GVW rating, I think the compressor is hitting the upper limit... but I know how to drive a manual trans for towing (hell, I've driven an F-350 commercial dump for work towing and hauling since I was 17) and feel comfortable towing a BII behind my lil Ranger. I wouldn't suggest for just anyone to try that though.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I regularly tow 4-6000lbs with my ranger. I would not dare do the same thing if I had an auto.

 

[Rulebreaker]

I regularly tow 4-6000lbs with my ranger. I would not dare do the same thing if I had an auto.

That's my thought exactly! RB

 

[JohnnyO]

First gear in a stick Ranger ain't all that low to get a heavy load moving.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Yes, especially with 3.73 gears and 32 or 33" tires. Also, having a 4.0, my first gear is 3.40:1 and not 3.72:1.

I will be regearing to 4.88s soon though.

 

[Rulebreaker]

First gear in a stick Ranger ain't all that low to get a heavy load moving.

I still would think that a manual with a 3.4 first gear and 4.11's would be better than an auto with a 2.47 first gear and 3.73's. But the former has a #3280 rating and the later a #5680 rating. Both being 4x4's. RB

 

[JohnnyO]

I still would think that a manual with a 3.4 first gear and 4.11's would be better than an auto with a 2.47 first gear and 3.73's.

But there is also the torque multiplication factor of the torque converter. Depending on the situation, your first gear ratio may be effectively doubled, or even more.