Ford haalf tons- 2000 to now, how do they do that?

hertfordnc wrote:
That's 3000 lb more than my 2001 Expedition with the same engine nd gears.

6 speed vs 4 speed transmission and 20%+ more HP.
So basically it is NOT the same engine or gears.

hertfordnc wrote:
Just read the thread about the F150 with the GCWR over 15,000 lb with a 5.4 and 3.55 gears.

That's 3000 lb more than my 2001 Expedition with the same engine nd gears.

What else is different? Just curious, not planning to upgrade.

Fact is, A 2013 150 is not the same truck as a 2001 150, or a 2001 Expe. I had a 2002 Expe with the 3.55 like yours. It too can't compare to the newer trucks. There are improvements

Expedition has coil springs in the rear. Hence the lower towing capacity.

GCWR mostly relates to cooling capacity. I suppose the F150 has more of it. It also more than likely has more unused rear axle capacity to handle the tongue weight of a larger trailer.
And last, and certainly not least, the F150 can haul more Ford BS in it's box.

what bothers me some on these 1/2 pickup numbers,

braking power, the ability to stop and maintain the load.

I have had a 3/4 ton truck since 2000, just always felt a little safer with the bigger brakes and heavy frame.

now I am pulling with a 2005 model 3/4 ton dodge diesel and it has a very heavy built frame and large brakes,

so far, it pulls good, stops good and get fairly good mpg for a big heavy truck.

trucks with the new exhaust brake option, that appears to be a great option for long down hill pulls. one guy said he just tapped the brake a few times on a long down hill pull, the motor/exhaust brake held the load back.

wish I had one on my old dodge,

Trucks can't be refered to as 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton anymore.

Tachdriver wrote:
More horsepower for a given engine size and transmissions with more gearing.

Actually no, I mean, a slight increase in HP aand some difference in torque but the 6 speed has to ratios above 1:1 (overdrive) and four below, so what gear would you tow in?

Anyway, to me those numbers do not account for a 20% increase in overall weight.

I am not second guessing engineers or aarguing, i am just curious.

The changes can be small and unnoticeable to anyone but the engineering group that made them.
I doubt any of us can answer your question for sure unless they work on the inside.

More horsepower for a given engine size and transmissions with more gearing.

My 1996 C1500 with a 5.7 L had 255HP with a 4-speed overdrive.
2006 C1500 with a 5.3/5.4l has 296 HP same tranny.
2012 C1500 with a 5.3L has 315 HP and 6-speed auto.


Specs 2006

2012 Spec

SORRY have chevy specs not ford.

Really? THere is no difference? Do they claim any differemce? Stronger frame? better brakes?

I guess it makes me feel better know my Expedition can be pushed if i have to but i would never be comfortable thaat close the maargins.