I have one of the first 1997 F-150 Extended Cab Style side (3 dr / 6 3/4' Bed). I am getting ready to purchase a Toy Hauler and I'm thinking it might be time for a new truck.
The original order sheet has a bunch of $%^#$&$ codes and the plate in the door jam that "use" to give you "all" the useful info . . . now only lets me know the (GCVW is 6000#) and paint codes.
The order sheet reads F65PAA for the Trans which I think is a 4R70W.
The order sheet reads 852 A for the Rear Axle which I think is a 308.
The wheel base is 139" and of course the trans is Auto w/ OD
My fear is that 2000 lbs is about all I should pull. The truck has been a fantastic truck and has given me no problems over the years but I need a Toy hauler (18' - 26') range for camping and to pull 2+ harleys or ATV's around. I'm sure it will handle more on flat ground than in the mountains . . . but the majority of trips will be in the mountains. Does anyone the towing capacities for this truck? Thanks

 

What size engine? If you have an owner's manual, it will say in there.

My 1999 owner's manual only shows the 4x4 having a 4.6 or 5.4 liter motor with a 3.55 or 3.73 rear end and auto trans. The tow rating for the 4.6 with a 3.55 and auto trans is 6, 600 lbs.

Look at the tag on the bolt at your rear diff and it says what gear ratio you have .

 

It has a 4.6 V8 Triton and I couldn't find anything in the owners manual on towing except descriptions on what GRVW and GCVW were. I'll climb under a see for myself - - I was in a suit and was trying to get around that so I could price some items over the phone. Thanks BB

 

Wondering if someone could help. I have a 1997 ford F150 and I had the differential replaced about 6 months ago and now it's gone out again. The problem that I am having is that I am not sure if the replacement differential was the same as my original. Is there any way to tell? I know that it is an 8.8

 

'97 F150 supercab with a 4.6L:

2WD 3.08 axle:
Max GCWR=10,000 lbs
Max trailer weight 5,500 lbs

2WD with a 3.55 axle:
Max GCWR=11,500 lbs
Max Trailer weight=7,000 lbs

4WD with a 3.08 axle:
Same GCWR as 2WD
Max trailer weight=5,100 lbs

4WD with a 3.55 axle:
Same GCWR as 2WD
Max trailer weight=6,600 lbs
Those are right out of the owner's manual downloaded from fleet.ford.com.
IMO-you're not gonna want to tow a toy-hauler with that truck. I previously towed a 6500 lb GVWR(weighed 6000ish loaded for the road) travel trailer with my old '98 F150 4.6L supercab, and it did the job just fine. But,a toy-hauler will be substantially heavier,and it's gonna put you over where you really need to be with that truck.
JL

 

Thank you for the information. It looks like I have the<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
4WD with a 3.55 axle:
Same GCWR as 2WD
Max trailer weight=6,600 lbs<o></o>
I understand that there is a larger differential that you can upgrade to. What would I need to do this?<o></o>
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I am still wondering if there was not a larger one on the truck to begin with and was just replaced with this one.<o></o>

 

The info in post #6 is a good place to start with info.
A toy hauler will usually be much too heavey when "loaded" because the GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT will be over your limit.
Then, is your truck equipped well enough for towing?
Trans cooler, brake controller, better tires, better cooling etc.
Better think about an F250 of a later year to meet the requirements.
Yes I am awhere that any of these trucks can pull it, but is it wise over the long term?
Good luck.

 

I have a 98 SC and I tow a 20 ft holiday trailer. I t pulls OK. My problem is the shift points on the transmission. It tends to shift to soon, not allowing the engine to rev high enough. Any idea?

 

An old thread but what's to soon?
Hold throttle open far enough and it will stay in the lower gears longer.
You cannot change the shift points unless a custom programmer is used.
Need more info to get a feel for what your commenting on.
Good luck.

 

Thanks. I am going to have to do some more experimenting when spring comes. To much snow and cold now.