The manual transmission rangers don't have a torque converter. The 5 speed aito's do that is why the suto's have nearly twice the towing capacity of the manuals.

 

interesting... glad to know... since i have a auto...

 

Torque converters are simply a way to disconnect the engine from the transmission below a certain RPM. They offer some rotational reduction and torque multiplication, but that just means they make the first gear taller.

 

I hope you guys realize the clutch has little to do with the gcwr of the truck. Ford doesn't warranty the clutches. It's all in the transmission itself, as many of you have pointed out the manual transmissions are crap. Proper driving is never riding the clutch whether you're towing something or not. You should be able to let your clutch out slowly and take off without any gas at all. It doesn't matter how much weight you have on.

As for the poster that said if you're truck is only rated for 3,500lbs and you tow more you're illegal you're right. Have an accident and see what you're insurance company says. Good luck getting them to pay out!

 

I doubt you will have an accident. If the tranny dies then oh gee you don't go anywhere.

 

Yhea, no one ever expects to have an accident. And you're right if the trans dies you call for a ride home. I've gone way over the weight ratings on most all of my trucks, and have never had a problem. I'm not saying don't do it, because I don't see a problem. Heck I towed my '94 F-150 home from Maryland with my ranger on a U-haul tandem axle car trailer. I just get tired of seeing people say that Ford gives the stick a lower weight rating because people don't know how to drive them. That to me is just a goofy statement.