Project "Tow-Mater"

[SupermanIce-J]

Yes a cliche name but i think it fits.

This will be a ongoing thread on the build-up and stories of my 1997 Ford F-150

Specs when purchased:
1. Red
2. 4.2 L V6
3. 5 Speed manual transmission
4. 4x4
5. Whatever the hell front center section came stock...3.08 gears.
6. 8.8 Rear end with 3.08 gears.
7. 138,000 miles




My first modifications were
1. K&N Air Filter
2. Monroe Reflex monotubes... Had stockers (i could compress them with very little force)
3. 255/70/16 Firestone Destination A/T
4.Toby Foreman 10" subwoofer.
5. Kicker ZX200.2 200 watt 2 channel amplifier
6. Tune-up with autolite iridium plugs 8.8mm wires.

Future modifications:
1.Swap front center section with one with 3.55 or better yet 3.73/4.10 gears
2.Swap Rear 8.8 to larger axle( forgot name) 3.55 or better.
3.Custom Cat-back exhaust consisting of 2.5-3 inch Jones Bros. muffler (knock off Flowmaster) with 3 inch exit in front on wheel.
4.SIS sticker on back window
5.Bucket seats (possibly leather if I can find them.)
6.Over head console out of an Expedition

[Magilla]

the front is an 8.8 ifs in that. gonna air bag the rear for a little help on the droop?

[HeavyMetal]

hows that thing tow as is?

[wannabejeep]

i would imagine like shit.

[Bluewarrior7]

How many HP is it anticipated that the SIS offroad sticker on the rear window will add?

[SupermanIce-J]

the front is an 8.8 ifs in that. gonna air bag the rear for a little help on the droop?

No... I don't think i will bag it. as far as suspension wise, it feels nice

hows that thing tow as is?

Besides v6 power and stupid highway gears it tows surprizingly well/

i would imagine like shit.

Read above

How many HP is it anticipated that the SIS offroad sticker on the rear window will add?

Anticipated 100 hp. to bring it up to the neighborhood of 250-275 hp

[Magilla]

k if it works for you. how bad is it pulling the hills?

[SupermanIce-J]

see edit. meant I will probably not be bagging it.

[grundlepunch]

my 1500 tows okay. makes me want a diesel 2500 lol.

i cant imagine how that v6 tows the hills of PA..... do you know what you were getting for MPG while towing?

[SupermanIce-J]

For the most part it does fine... I usually can stay above 60 on all the hills on the way to Rausch Creek. Sometimes if I feel like burning sick amounts of gasoline and running 4500+ rpms I can pass on hills.

I get around 10-12 towing.

[grundlepunch]

thats not bad at all

if i feel like keeping mine at 3k + rpm i can run at 75mph hahaha but i feel like im hurting the truck lol

[Magilla]

4bt swaps? frames cant support a 6bt

[grundlepunch]

4bt swaps?

do want

4bt + 4l80e + np205 + my 1500 = win

[SupermanIce-J]

Dana,

I was doing 80-85 between 3-4 gear( 3500-5000 rpm's) on the way to OER II when there was no traffic.

[Magilla]

I was losing people that were in our group on the hills id have to slow down for them to catch up