h2owarrior

Puder, if the truck has 4:10 or similar axle ratio, you will be able to tow a single engine 25-30 foot boat with little problem If you go over 30 feet and add the additional engine, you need to move to more power. My preference is diesel, but some like gas.

If you are going to buy a 38 footer, the only way to go is diesel. Ford, GM and Dodge all make great diesel engine trucks that will handle a 38 footer. If you are looking to move up to this size, do not buy this truck. Towing a 38 footer with a 5.7, regardless of axle ratio, would not be fun.

Goomba II

If you plan on going threw Pa. you're goin to need big block power! The saying goes more power less strain just like a boat.

Blackhawkdn

The 1992 5.7L can tow most 28-30ft boats. Make sure you have a transmission oil cooler. The 1992's did not have and extenal cooler. The transmission will not last without the cooler. Cooler cost approx. $180.00. If you intend to tow over 8000lbs you definitly need a 454CI.

puder

ok so the 5.7 is out



I found a few other that might be worth checking out. one is an 86 f360 dually with a 4 speed and a diesel. But its from upstae NY an dthey dump tons of salt on eth roads in ethwinter so she probably isn't in the greatest shape. The other is in virginia (lucky abotu 15 minutes from my cousin's house) Its an 88 f350 (non dualy) with an auto tranny and a 460 gas.

Let me hear your thoughs on those please.

Madcow

How often are you going to just drive it as opposed to towing. I pull a 42 Sonic with trips half dozen times a year 20 to 30 miles with a 350 and it works fine. This is my daily driver truck, and I wouldn't want a thirsty rat motor all the time.

h2owarrior

Great Point !

Cattitude

Puder- I'd pass on the saltmobile- aside from the corrosion issues Ford's diesel was pretty wimpy till 94 and then I think it gradually got better right up the current version.

The 88 should have EFI and a C6 which is a very stout 3 speed auto. If 4wd it will also have a stout dana 60 front axle. This should be a pretty good combo for relatively cheap $$. a lot of people feel the 460 towed better than today's v10 which replaced it. Good luck!

h2owarrior

Hey Puder, did I miss something ? I thought you were looking at a Chevy or does catitude just not like Fords ?

puder

personally i am a BMW man.

So for tow vehichles i will drive anything that will get the job done. SO I abstain from eth Ford VS. GM/Chevy battle. This woudl not really be used very often as a daily drive. Justr as a tow rig and for the occaisional quick spin.

So lemme get this all starigh the old chevy diesels suck and the old ford diesels suck. So I shoud get eitehr an older BB gas or a new diesel, preferably with an allison engine and tranny or a powerstroke.

Cattitude

H20- At the end of the first page Puder is asking about two different fords. I do like the Ford's, though I prefer the Cummins/Dodges. The early ford diesels, if I remember correctly, were not intercooled or turbo'd which makes for a pretty meager diesel- not trying to pick on them. I thought I was saying nice things about the other ford- at least as objective as a Dodge guy can be Just trying to be helpful with info, not poo-poo any ones preferences.