First off those wieghts are just suggestions. That is what the manufacterer suggests as the maximum weight on the truck full time 100%. If you go over once in a while not a big concern. Some of those baby trucks used the same rear axle as a 1/2 ton only cut down. Not sure on the ford. If you are serious ditch the a/c. I did mine never used it and lost all that weight so up high. The FF does a great job. Ditch the female or have her follow you with another car . I did that as well. It is now a lot quieter and I get where I am going with a lot less stops. Problem solved!