I need advice, want to tow a 5th wheel

[oldmopars]

I recently sold a newer diesel powered truck (2003) that I used to tow my 5th wheel with. I am looking to buy another truck and I want another bumpside. I have had a few in the past.
I am looking at a 70 4x4 with a 360 and manual 4 speed. The truck is all stock, no lift, stock wheels and tires. I am not sure yet if its a high boy or not, but think its not.
What I need to know is if this will haul my 5th wheel ok. The 5th wheel is only 23 foot and has 5 lug wheels so its not real heavy.
I towed it with a 74 Dodge with 318 and it was OK, but I had to upgrade the cooling and learned to hate hills.
My other option is a 2wd bumpside with a 390 and manual or auto trans, I have several to choose from.
I know they will not tow like a newer Diesel, but want to make sure it can do it ok.
Thanks
Scott

[Madman]

Scott,
I would say depending on the mechanical condition of the vehicle it will handle a fifth wheel just fine. We pulled a 33 foot bumper pull all over the country in our 70 F250 4x4, which had the 360 in it. The brakes will be a weak spot in compared to a new truck, though.

The truck is a high boy as it's a 4x4.

[MrMajestyk]

Scott

This link might be helpful
http://www.fordification.com/library/ma ... temId=2048

[woods]

That's a small 5th wheel, it will pull it fine. Between the 2 and 4wd, it's a bit of a wash to me. One thing I really like about 4wd is to be able to pull it down into low range when putting a trailer where a trailer was not really meant to go, but maybe you don't do that sort of thing.

[FLATBEDFORD]

The brakes will be a weak spot in compared to a new truck, though.

Yeah that!!

Good trailer brakes will be a must!

[oldmopars]

Well I did get the truck I wanted, 72 F250 4x4 360, NP235, Dana 24, etc. It has drums all around. I know that someone has converted to disks, what is involved? (front only)

[Madman]

I just purchased and am picking up a Dana 44 with disks for my truck tonight. Basically, find an 76 and later Dana 44 for a F250 and swpa it in. There is a little more to it than that obviously, wether or not you get a low pinion 44 or a high pinion 44. A low pinion 44 basically bolts right in, but they are harder to find than a high pinion 44. Try this link to start getting an idea. It should help.

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Dana44.htm

[Wes]

A 76 to 77 1/2 F250 Dana 44 will bolt right in. Low pinion can use original front drive shaft. High pinion will need a shortened drive shaft. You will need to relocate the upper shock mounts on the frame they bolt on and there is holes in the frame in the correct spot. Also you'll need to match ring and pinion ratios.
The steering arm on the disc brake 44 may work if you get the steering link for the later truck, or the steering arm from the drum axle swapped to the disc axle.
I did this swap on my 67, with a few other mods. I went with a cross over steering link, power steering.

[fomocoguy]

Just so you know you could also add a power booster to your existing setup and just have power drum brakes all the way around. That's what I've got on my crew and it stops great.

[woods]

Just so you know you could also add a power booster to your existing setup and just have power drum brakes all the way around. That's what I've got on my crew and it stops great.

Yep, me too.

[FLATBEDFORD]

I think that you should start by making SURE the trailer brakes are working and you can control them before you start messing with the truck's brakes.

[woods]

I think that you should start by making SURE the trailer brakes are working and you can control them before you start messing with the truck's brakes.

Very VERY good point.

[Madman]

I think that you should start by making SURE the trailer brakes are working and you can control them before you start messing with the truck's brakes.

Very VERY good point.

A good trailer brake controller is very key as well!