Towing - How

[JDgreen227]

The 1998 F150 started the F150 heavy version that has a 10.25 semi floater axle in the rear. I think they call it the 7700 kg gcvwr option up here now. It was to bridge the gap since the Superduties are all really 1 tons, just some have softer springs.

Wasn't aware of that, thanks, the info I had only went as far as the '96 models. MY F150 with the 4.9 six had the optional E4OD automatic, best transmission of it's kind Ford ever put in the heavy half tons, it ran so cool while towing you would think there was nothing hitched on the back.

 

[RobertN]

Wow, that is pretty cool!

Here you go...

Heilite Trailers were built of aircraft quality aluminum by the Heilite Manufacturing company founded in 1953 in Lodi California. They have doors for access to the storage area under the sleeping area.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 1998 F150 started the F150 heavy version that has a 10.25 semi floater axle in the rear. I think they call it the 7700 kg gcvwr option up here now. It was to bridge the gap since the Superduties are all really 1 tons, just some have softer springs.

I had a 7700 GVWR F-150 in 1998 with a 5.4L and a regular cab. It was a 4x4 and had 4.10 gears. I wish I still had it, it was a beast. Traded it on a new 2001 F-150 4x4 Supercrew in 2000. What a mistake.

Chris

 

[not2old]

The 1998 F150 started the F150 heavy version that has a 10.25 semi floater axle in the rear. I think they call it the 7700 kg gcvwr option up here now. It was to bridge the gap since the Superduties are all really 1 tons, just some have softer springs.

The 7700 pound GVW can easily be identified by the 7 bolt wheels. I don't know what the GCVW is for these.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 7700 pound GVW can easily be identified by the 7 bolt wheels. I don't know what the GCVW is for these.

Here are the specs on the 7700 F-150's

- 7 Lug Rims -
- They have a larger frame then the standard F150
- Bigger Brakes 13.5" rotors
- 3:73 rear end from factory, optional 4.10
- Larger axle housing
- 4R100 Tranny Same as F-250
- Extra leaf in back
- Heavier towing capacity
- Weigh more
- HD shocks
- power steering cooler
- 4700 lbs rear axle
- HD rad, thicker
- HD alternator
- HD battery
- LT tires standard, load range D
- the tranny is the same as a F250 SD and the F350 SD
- 8,600 lbs towing 4x4/ 8,800 lbs towing 4x2
- 15,000 GCWR
- 7,700 GVWR
- 4x4 empty truck 5,030# = 2,670# payload (tough 1/2 ton)

Chris

 

[Renze]

Yep, here is a perfect example of the guys doing just that across the pond.

YouTube - Renault 5 Caravan Crash

Chris

My sisters first car was one just like that: a 1987 (or so) Renault 5 with a 4 speed and 1100cc.. Suspension was crap, my sister couldnt keep it straight when me and my brother were racking from left to right on the back seats: it caused so much body roll that she needed two lanes, and as soon as we got what we wanted (her screaming us to stop) we stopped.
A Renault 5 doesnt need any trailer at all, to be a b*tch on the road when crosswinds occur

 

[JDgreen227]

Here are the specs on the 7700 F-150's

- 7 Lug Rims -
- They have a larger frame then the standard F150
- Bigger Brakes 13.5" rotors
- 3:73 rear end from factory, optional 4.10
- Larger axle housing
- 4R100 Tranny Same as F-250
- Extra leaf in back
- Heavier towing capacity
- Weigh more
- HD shocks
- power steering cooler
- 4700 lbs rear axle
- HD rad, thicker
- HD alternator
- HD battery
- LT tires standard, load range D
- the tranny is the same as a F250 SD and the F350 SD
- 8,600 lbs towing 4x4/ 8,800 lbs towing 4x2
- 15,000 GCWR
- 7,700 GVWR
- 4x4 empty truck 5,030# = 2,670# payload (tough 1/2 ton)

Chris

Have to wonder why Ford sold that model under the F-150 nameplate, seems it would have made more sense just to get a customer to upgrade to the F-250. Think I do have a sales brochure around for the late 90's vintage F-series trucks, going to dig it out.

 

[tcartwri]

Have to wonder why Ford sold that model under the F-150 nameplate, seems it would have made more sense just to get a customer to upgrade to the F-250. Think I do have a sales brochure around for the late 90's vintage F-series trucks, going to dig it out.

98 was the transition year where they were bringing out the Super Duty line. If I recall there was some delay in getting the new body style F250 into production.

 

[slowzuki]

The new (post 2004) doesn't have the 7 lug rim anymore, and ups the towing rating to 11,300 lb. You can easily spot the monster sterling axle in the rear when you have two side by side.

 

[slowzuki]

Yup, there were no 1998 F-250 or F-350. They sold 1997 models and the light 250 to bridge to the 1999 superduty.

98 was the transition year where they were bringing out the Super Duty line. If I recall there was some delay in getting the new body style F250 into production.