www.iFourWinns.com

I've got a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 5.4 engine. Where do I find the rear diff gear ratio? Is there a code in the VIN? I'm trying to determine the ultimate tow rating for this vehicle.

_________________
1999 234 Funship
5.7 GSi

Contact your local dealer. I'm sure Ford is like Dodge and they can get you a build sheet which shows all options that were installed on the truck, which will let you know your tow rating.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Thanks!

_________________
1999 234 Funship
5.7 GSi

Got it! It was on a tag on the diff. It is a 3.55 with limited slip.

_________________
1999 234 Funship
5.7 GSi

What is the tow rating ?

there is a tag on the drivers door jam that has MFG axle and vehicle ratings. Along with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). With that info along with axle ratio, you can come up with a tow rating ballpark until you get more info from dealer.

As mentioned above, your dealer can decode the VIN and give you what your after.

With a 3.55 ratio, you will not have big numbers for tow rating/GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

http://tinyurl.com/28cpa5z

Funny, it doesn't show a 5.4L with a 3.55 rear end.

I have the 4.6L in a 4x2 with 3.55, my limit is 7.200. Figure a bit higher for your bigger engine, but a bit lower due to 4WD, it's probably fairly close to mine.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I think it is exactly what yours is rated. I remember reading in the manual that it was either 7200 or 7300. I think the boat I'm buying will be within spitting distance of the max weight when loaded with fuel and gear, including the trailer. It should be entertaining to see how she comes up a wet boat ramp with this load!

_________________
1999 234 Funship
5.7 GSi

What are you contemplating buying? And have you been towing something else with the truck? My boat & trailer, with full fuel, water, toys, etc., is right at 6,500#. I wouldn't want it to be one pound heavier. If I didn't live in the flat lands of Kansas it wouldn't be enough truck. When I tow down into the Ozark mountains it's pretty much a white knuckle drive.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It is a Funship 254. It is a giant hog of a boat. I'm estimating on the liberal side, but that is to be safe. I've towed nothing of serious weight with this truck yet. I'm mainly using it to get the boat home, and for the occasional boating trip without the whole family. Much of the time, I'll be towing the boat with a Chevy 3500 15 passenger van, which should easily handle it. I still think this Ford will do it, though. If I get onto a slick ramp, and it won't get the job done, I can always throw it in 4 low until I get to where it is dry. (and as long as I keep the wheels straight, so as not to bind the driveline)

_________________
1999 234 Funship
5.7 GSi

Oof. Yeah, you'll know it's back there. If you still have the factory hitch, be aware it's a 5K lb. class III. I'd recommend upgrading to a class IV.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic