Vintage Towing -- Testing the Waters

blt2ski wrote:
A casita was a trailer I was thinking about earlier today that might very well work with this truck.

Also, i would not find another donar stock rear spring pack. For granted double, you could probably get a new pack built that will work better than the stock ones. Double is probably 150 vs 300 for a used vs new pack. I had a new pack built and installed on my old SW K3500 for $750, going from a 6400 lb pack to an 8500 lb. I would think a probably 2500 lbs set would be a bit less, maybe even a bit less on labor, altho probably not a lot!

In the end, a 5 sp with an OD might be a good choice, as then you could lower the RA some, get a bit better low end take off, still have some lower r's when running down the road. The key is to figure out how much hp you should need to pull your combo, spec a final drive ratio so your motor is turning maybe 5-10HP more than you need, then reality will set in, in that you will probably have to shift at the slightest incline from OD to direct. Or set it up such that on a 1% grade you shift into direct use that gear from a 1-3 or 4% then into the gear below. Also do not forget that you HP figure is probably at the flywheel, you will typically lose 10-20% thru the tranny, drivshaft, RA and turning the tires, along with some loss due to the alternator, AC and other engine items.

On the other hand, do not lower your GR too much, as smaller R&P's like you have, with low gears, ie 4.88+ have a tendency to blow up, even with smaller HP/torque 4 bangers like you have! Especially if you have 4wd and include the transfer case. Altho it sounds like you have a rwd. This should not be as big a deal.

Marty

Lots of good info, thanks! Where would I go to get a custom pack built? I'm also having trouble sourcing springs. Most websites don't have anything listed for a '75 Rotary Pickup or '75 Ford Courier (its twin sister).

I think the ideal tow combination would be the '74 rear end with a 4.625 mated to a '77 transmission that has the 5th gear. However, I think my combo will work for light duty and if something breaks I know what to look for.

My truck is vintage, but I bought it to drive it and I paid less than I would for a new truck. Did I post photos? I don't think I did. Disclaimer...I know she's got to be raised back up!!!!