I am getting a GREAT deal on a 1993 4x4 club cab 5.2L! It will be my daily driver, trading it straight across for a 1986 F-250 4x4 with a 460.

I imagine it will get much better mpg than the 460. The dakota is loaded with 163K miles.

With the Ford gone, I will need to tow my flatbed and race car with the Dodge. Combined weight is around 5000Lbs.

Everyone I know says the 5.2 Magnum will tow anything, but I wonder how well? Like off the line, uphills, freeway......

It is an automatic. I will turn off the OD while towing, and install a tranny cooler. Do I need some heavy duty struts?

I want this truck to be able to fit all my needs, and most I'll ever tow is 6000Lbs.

Any info is appreciated!!

 

I have a 96 2WD, but I also have the club cab and 5.2L....
the mileage is okay, but not awesome. Depending on circumstances, I can get between 12-17 MPG.
I have also towed a Sunfire (about 5000 pounds) and a Mustang (without motor - about 2000 pounds) on tow dollies behind this. As well as a U-Haul trailer from Ohio to Michigan. In comparison to other vehicles I've driven(30 foot motorhome), the acceleration and deceleration were great. The truck responded well to everything I told it to do.
Also, I have not upgraded anything for it. I have the original-style struts, no trans cooler...
The truck should treat you well, as long as you treat the truck well!

 

The 5.2 can handle anything. The only thing, which it sounds like your on the right path, is to check all fuilds and keep up on maitnece. What kind of race car do you have? I have a 82 TA. Before I did the 5.9 swap I did have the 5.2 and it could tow it around with the flat bed. Around 5,000- 5,500 total. It could handle it with ease. The brakeing is a little different than full size but it can take it, just give your self some more brake room while towing. You can get air shocks for the rear if you see it sag the rear end of the truck.

 

The flatbed is a 1600Lb steel with wood bed, dual axle elec. brakes, and my race car is a 1999 sunfire:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw-k4qbAynI

Red #15

The Sunfire weighs about 2700Lbs, give or take....

 

As a matter of fact, here is an add with the exact truck:

http://tinyurl.com/4u3bg9

 

glad your trading straight across, I think you got the better deal! Truck will serve you well

 

looks like a good truck, i towed my bosses 87 grand national about 20 miles to the exhaust shop and she pulled it fine. stopping was not too good on hills, i have some bigger brakes now in the rear so it might be a little better!!!

 

I'll be making the trade around noon. If even the slightest thing on the dakota ( or with the salesman ) doesn't seem right, I'm backing out.

My search won't end there though. If I don't get this one, I'm still lookin.