Changing RearEnd From 331 to 373

donfordbob

Here is what I found that works better than the chart you have.

https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/16RV&TT_Ford_Transit_Sep28.pdf

Using this chart, it shows a Medium Roof 150 RWB with 3.73 ratio is the same as the 3.31

I see the difference?

150 130WB MR 3.5
331 commercial van -GCWR - 11,200 GVWR - 8,600
371 commercial van -GCWR - 12,600 GVWR - 8,600
THE 371 MUST HAVE STRONGER SUSPENSION?????
OR IS IT JUST THE AXLE RATIO

donfordbob said:

150 130WB MR 3.5
331 commercial van -GCWR - 11,200 GVWR - 8,600
371 commercial van -GCWR - 12,600 GVWR - 8,600
THE 371 MUST HAVE STRONGER SUSPENSION?????
OR IS IT JUST THE AXLE RATIO

Click to expand...

Yes, axle ratio, because everything else is the same.

Tow capacities 150 Van vs Wagon

Is it logical to assume that based on the above that the Van has a stronger suspension than the Wagon and that accounts for the 6900 tow capacity. Again we are looking at 130 wb 3.5 MR 331 vs 371 axle.

donfordbob said:

Is it logical to assume that based on the above that the Van has a stronger suspension than the Wagon and that accounts for the 6900 tow capacity. Again we are looking at 130 wb 3.5 MR 331 vs 371 axle.

Click to expand...

No, it's due to the weight of the materials in the wagon, taking up load capacity. Windows, seats and mounting system, trim, etc. And, then, the ease of moving the load with the different axles.

Those extra seats add about 50lbs per seat position- I weighed some- 1 person about 50, 2 person about 100, 3 person about 150 and that isn't counting the mounting rails which are fairly stout.
I'm guessing 13 extra spots and rails must be 700 lbs or so!

As EddieZ says then there is all the trim, windows, and perhaps rear A/C and the false floor....I'm guessing 1000 lbs extra for all that and the seats..

Added in edit- looked it up> the curb weight of the EL HR wagon is 927 lbs more than the EL HR van- so my 1000 lb guess was close

The GVW difference between the wagon and the cargo van with the same engine and same axle ratio is because of the extra stuff in the passenger wagon that the cargo van doesn't have. I'm surprised that it's only 500 pounds.

The GVW difference with the different axle ratios is due to the engine powerband. That higher GVW combination is probably an EcoBoost engine.

There is also a 250 configuration with 350 driveline components, but the GVW of the 250 series.

Be aware of the Gross combined weight ratings. Any cargo, and that includes passengers and tongue weight, takes away from the weight of the Trailer you can tow. If you want to tow the max rating then you pretty much have to be empty.

I have a T250 with 9000lb GVW so if I fully load the van to max, then I only have 2200lbs left to tow even though it says I can tow 5400.

Limitations of the unibody construction I think.