Cheap mods for towing

[sesto1976]

I have a '97 ford F-150 supercab 4x4. It's got the 4.6L 2 valve. I believe its towing capacity is about 5000 lbs.

I don't tow often enough to go spend money on a new truck so I'd like to make a few modifications to the one I have now. Currently it has a 3.55 limited slip axle ratio. I'm guessing that if I put 3.73 limited slips in it will increase the capacity a bit.

What are some other relatively easy mods I can install to get the max towing capacity of my truck? Replacing the shocks and leaf springs maybe?

I'm not looking to spend a ton. I just want to be able to pull my tractor where it needs to be without a problem.:thumb:

 

[07keo02]

A good option for your preference in exhaust would be a 4 inch straight pipe kit and order the Corsa 4 inch reflective sound technology muffler and integrate that into it. They are supposed to sound really good but have little to no drone.

 

[Fastorange]

i would do an lml manifold... for the money its a great mod... i just installed one on my lly and it picked the truck up.. i always thought it was kinda stupid to do, but after i held them side by side you really get an idea on how bad the drivers side manifold really is

 

[TROJAN366]

I have a '97 ford F-150 supercab 4x4. It's got the 4.6L 2 valve. I believe its towing capacity is about 5000 lbs.

I don't tow often enough to go spend money on a new truck so I'd like to make a few modifications to the one I have now. Currently it has a 3.55 limited slip axle ratio. I'm guessing that if I put 3.73 limited slips in it will increase the capacity a bit.

What are some other relatively easy mods I can install to get the max towing capacity of my truck? Replacing the shocks and leaf springs maybe?

I'm not looking to spend a ton. I just want to be able to pull my tractor where it needs to be without a problem.:thumb:

This is a duramax forum. F150forum.com might be better for you

 

[Gello]

Thanks guys
Here's the mods I ordered so far.
MBRB 4 inch with muffler
MBRB down pipe
Duramaxtuner
Edge cts for gauges
DRP turbo horn
FASS 150 lift pump with filters
PPE boost valve
Nicktane 1 micron filter and adapter for stock filter location.
Already have Volant CAI
Maybe exhaust manifolds next!

Got to tell you guys, truck pulled very well stock. I was impressed with15k behind it.
Can't wait to see what these mods will do!!!!

Thanks again all!!!!!

 

[Hot COCOAL]

Wow
:coolspot:

That was quick:thumb:

Cool man, you won't be disappointed, it will feel like a brand new truck, and you are gonna be hooked on diesel performance, it's worse than crack cocaine:roflmao:

 

[Sledhead]

I may have missed it in the thread but a boost bleed valve for the wastegate was a cheap mod with my old tuner and still run it even with the compounds.

 

[Gello]

Trying to stay tame. Doubt it, who my kidding. Lol

 

[Sledhead]

built trans and a second turbo

(its cheap compared to a built motor)

X2^ Seriously, you should consider this, it is great advice. Keeps EGTs down for engine longevity and gets the torque to the ground. Put a S475 over your stock one and you're not throwing anything away.

Also, if you are going to be pulling that trailer up big hills the engine oil will get so hot you will lose oil pressure. We put extra coolers on for engine oil.

 

[AubleAK]

Dont forget a trans..

 

[Chevy1925]

X2^ Seriously, you should consider this, it is great advice. Keeps EGTs down for engine longevity and gets the torque to the ground. Put a S475 over your stock one and you're not throwing anything away.

Also, if you are going to be pulling that trailer up big hills the engine oil will get so hot you will lose oil pressure. We put extra coolers on for engine oil.

twins were the best damn thing i ever did for towing. such a world of difference with them on

 

[adeso]

Thanks guys
Here's the mods I ordered so far.
MBRB 4 inch with muffler
MBRB down pipe
Duramaxtuner
Edge cts for gauges
DRP turbo horn
FASS 150 lift pump with filters
PPE boost valve
Nicktane 1 micron filter and adapter for stock filter location.
Already have Volant CAI
Maybe exhaust manifolds next!

Got to tell you guys, truck pulled very well stock. I was impressed with15k behind it.
Can't wait to see what these mods will do!!!!

Thanks again all!!!!!

You just need a drivers side manifold. Pass side is fine. Just don't push it hard with the tunes on the stock trans. Won't take much to slip it esp with a load behind you. It isn't hard to tear stuff up with it turned up just a little bit if you start acting stupid with 15K behind it

 

[malibu795]

Thanks guys
Here's the mods I ordered so far.
MBRB 4 inch with muffler
MBRB down pipe
Duramaxtuner
Edge cts for gauges
DRP turbo horn
FASS 150 lift pump with filters
PPE boost valve
Nicktane 1 micron filter and adapter for stock filter location.
Already have Volant CAI
Maybe exhaust manifolds next!

Got to tell you guys, truck pulled very well stock. I was impressed with15k behind it.
Can't wait to see what these mods will do!!!!

Thanks again all!!!!!

theres several grand right there alone

 

[malibu795]

You just need a drivers side manifold. Pass side is fine. Just don't push it hard with the tunes on the stock trans. Won't take much to slip it esp with a load behind you. It isn't hard to tear stuff up with it turned up just a little bit if you start acting stupid with 15K behind it

im towing ~15-19k 90% of the time with roughly ~300fwhp its amaxing what some timing and removal of torque mangement can do to a truck's preformance

 

[Gello]

Ill keep her on stage 2 and take it easy. Hey guys what should I expect to pay for a decent trans and twins. What brands would you recommend? Did you here that, it was me falling on the floor. Lol. I drive this truck easy all year except for the occasional tow.
Thanks for all the advice!!!
Mike

 

[malibu795]

where you located at? there are some good trans shops spread out across the country along with some good shops that make twin setup

keep the dual fuelers away and your rod will last a while....

 

[Gello]

where you located at? there are some good trans shops spread out across the country along with some good shops that make twin setup

keep the dual fuelers away and your rod will last a while....

New Jersey, we don't have a good trans shop close to me, I started using jasper at my shop. Nothing but problems. I'm thinking but a built unit or is that crazy? Hopefully mine will hold for a while!!! 31k on it never abused. Just trying to prep for the future. Thanks.


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[malibu795]

New Jersey, we don't have a good trans shop close to me, I started using jasper at my shop. Nothing but problems. I'm thinking but a built unit or is that crazy? Hopefully mine will hold for a while!!! 31k on it never abused. Just trying to prep for the future. Thanks.


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theres is a couple spread out in PA/MD (IDK if they are paying vendors or not so im not naming names) IIRC there is one in NJ but i cant remeber who exactly it is..

 

[JoshH]

New Jersey, we don't have a good trans shop close to me, I started using jasper at my shop. Nothing but problems. I'm thinking but a built unit or is that crazy? Hopefully mine will hold for a while!!! 31k on it never abused. Just trying to prep for the future. Thanks.


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If I were you, I'd take my truck down to George Alexander in Baltimore. He goes by BIG DIPPER on the forums.

 

[Gello]

All parts I listed are coming tomorrow including driver side manifold heha!!! Also did GM top engine cleaning.. Think it actually worked, defiantly helped balance rates a little, feels a little more responsive, worth the little bit of time!!!


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