i have a 2001 f150 4.6 5sp. everyone tells me i can only tow 3000lbs. because it is a 5sp. has anyone towed more? what can i do to get it to tow more. it has 3.55 gears.

 

I don't know what you can tow, but your owners manual should tell you the limits. The chassis is certainly capable of pulling more but possibly the tranny is not?

 

I've pulled 6000# with my '99 and never had a problem.

I've pulled 4000# with my '07 and never a problem.

They say the input shaft on the transmission is a weak link... but if you are easy on it, you will not have a problem.

Just drive it with care, and with the v8, especially with the stick, you should have no problem.

 

The limit is because of the M5OD input shaft, and the possibility of smoking the OEM clutch if you aren't skilled.

 

Adding gears make it easier on the tranny and clutch. I've got 4.10s and it makes driving the truck a lot easier.

 

It's also the overall design of the M5OD... The cut of the gears forces the two shafts apart in 5th gear... Towing and hauling should be done in 4th with that trans... That trans is marginal for just hauling the truck around, let-alone hauling and towing...

-Joe