im looking at buying a 75 f250, 360ci, 4spd w/ granny gear, 2wd, axle code is b4 (j), and im not sure if it could handle pulling a 8,500-9,000lb tractor + a 20ft gooseneck about 30 mi +/-. what do you guys think??

 

It should tow it no problem if you start in granny, but I'd be concerned about the stress on an old truck - axle, frame, etc. I'd also not recommend doing it without electric trailer brakes.

 

If it is in good shape you shouldn't have a problem, a brake controller would be a must however. We tow more than that with our 1980 F-350 with a 400.

 

Many years ago, I had a 72, set up the same motor and trans - loved that old beast. I think you are probably over all the ratings for that truck, in the old days they were rated much lower than today. Today's 1/2 tons are rated higher than the old 3/4 and in some cases 1 tons.

Having loaded mine with 3 tons (25+ years ago when I was young and foolish), I'm sure it CAN pull the load. I would be remiss if I told you that you should, it is outside the published limits (if I recall correctly) - I'm thinking (it was a really long time ago) that the truck was rated to tow 8,000#.

 

the GVW is 6250 or something, the old thing is in very very good shape, it has a electric brake controller, the tranny is a 4-Speed New Process 435 "A", i finally found out what rear end it's got in it, it's a 4.10 - Limited Slip Dana 5250# B4, what does the 5250# stand for? is that how much the rear end can tow?

 

That seems kinda low for a GVWR on an F250.. My Dad still has his 1971 F250 "Custom" (but it is a "Camper Special") that he bought brand new and it's GVWR is listed as #7700.

On the rear end, that might be the GAWR for that axle??

Is towing that #9000 for 30 miles a daily, weekly, monthly or a one time deal?

I towed a small track hoe on a flat bed with the old '71 and I don't think it weighed more then #5000 total and it did it, but you knew it was back there... Especially with no trailer brakes!! Anyway, it was only from the rental place to the house, so only about 5 miles... In the trucks 'hey day', it towed a 26' travel trailer that probably weighed in at around #6000.... Did this with a small camper in the bed too! Went all over the place camping with that setup as a kid....

Good luck!

Mitch

 

It is a "custom" (if that makes any differance) it wo uld probably be 1-2 times a year. but hearing all of this, i think i'll wait and see if i can find a late 80's f250 or 350, cause i dont want to buy it then it not be able to tow it and i'd be stuck with it.

 

For 1975, that thing has all the right stuff for heavy towing except for the engine - the 360 is a bit wimpy. You won't go fast but the 4.10's and granny box will help a LOT.

You sure it's 4.10? I looked up B4 and came up with a 3.73 limited slip.

Back in those "old" days, my brother in law was a harness horse trainer, so he used to tow horse trailers all over the east coast. He actually used 1/2 ton trucks to do it - he had a late 60's Ford with a 390 and a granny, when it rusted out he replaced it with a new 77 Chevy heavy half with a 350 and a granny. They both did a good job. I have no idea how over rating he was with either truck.

30 miles once or twice a year? Unless the truck has something in the driveline or the frame that's getting weak from age or corrosion, it should do it with no problem. I would overhaul the brakes and use premium parts. Brandon's cautions and concerns are very valid. You will have an easier time with a 5th wheel (I assume that's what you mean by a gooseneck?) as opposed to a standard ball tow with that weight.

 

glc, 5th wheel and gooseneck are similar - 5th uses a plate similar to a semi truck, where a goose uses a ball mounted in the bed. Having used both, I prefer the goose.

 

goose's are used for heavy duty flatbed towing, 5th wheels are used more for campers. according to this web site http://fordification.com/data-1972.htm , its a 4.10, but thats for a '72, if they changed codes between then. but maybe i'll wait and see if its still there in a week or two and offer them $1,000 for it. but i'd still kinda like to find a newer 2 or 350.

 

Just went by a used truck lot today - they have a 96 F-250 S-cab with a diesel - they are asking $6950.........

 

awww man! sweet! that is what i want! cant afford,........................but want. I still gotta figure out insurance on this bad boy.