I have the same f150 as raamw. I bought it used, but before they went to the newer style F250 back then they made an f150 "heavy" which had a gvwr of 7000# I believe, as opposed to the 6000 on my 97' . In truth- with 600 to 700 tw and two passsengers and other stuff in the truck-I'm over most times on weight rating on the truck. In fact-the early 97 or 98 f250 (light) was only about 6800# gvwr, if I recall. A mechanic told me back then that there was a different axle, heavier springs, and bigger brakes on the F150 heavy/F250 light. I put class C tires on the truck when I was carrying around a slide in pop-up- which also put me over. I've got the tow package which includes a trans cooler and the guy before me ordered it with 17" tires as opposed to the standard 16s, though I don't know what difference it makes other than it throws off the speedometer. I've also got air springs on the back ---but those certainly don't increase the gvwr or axle rating. I doubt a couple hundred extra pounds is a deal breaker, alone, on the axle. But I always felt switching to a heavier tire was prudent and I wish I had bigger brakes. I do have an 8000# veh.tag on it, here in Wisconsin, so at least I can't get busted for that
Compared to now, however, I would also be curious as to what they have done with newer f150s to kick the weight ratings. I assume a beefier axle must be part of it. Rick
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