
F-550 Regular Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel
(Fifth Wheel Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7484 (16500)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8391 (18500)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7348 (16200)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8255 (18200)
F-550 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel
(Fifth Wheel Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7348 (16200)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8255 (18200)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7121 (15700)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8029 (17700)
F-550 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel
(Fifth Wheel Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7212 (15900)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8119 (17900)
4x4 with automatic transmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7076 (15600)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 7983 (17600)
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
ALL REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) VEHICLES
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
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Installing the snowplow
Read the following instructions before installing a snowplow:
•Front GAWR must not exceed 63% of the GVW. Add ballast weight to
the back of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label to find your vehicle’s front GAWR.
•The Front Axle Accessory Reserve Capacity and the TARC listed on
the bottom right of the Safety Compliance Certification Label will
determine whether or not the addition of a snowplow will overload
your vehicle.
•The weight of the snowplow and supporting components distributed to
the front axle must not exceed the Front Axle Accessory Reserve
Capacity.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not exceed the TARC.
•The weight of the installed snowplow and aftermarket equipment must
not load the vehicle beyond the GAWR (front/rear) and GVWR listed
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
•The total weight of the snowplow and aftermarket equipment must be
considered part of the payload and must not exceed the GCWR for
towing.
•Federal and most local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
•Tires have their maximum inflation pressure and associated load rating
imprinted on the tire sidewall. This pressure may or may not be the
same as that shown as recommended on the vehicle. The vehicle
operator may have to adjust the tire inflation pressure to
accommodate the snowplow and payload. Consult your dealer or
equipment installer for help with proper inflation pressures.
•Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps
for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your dealer for additional
information.
•After installing a snowplow to the vehicle, ensure the vehicle’s front
toe alignment and front ride height are within specification (reset if
required). These specifications are located in the vehicle’s Workshop
Manual.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1634 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-233 EV-233
Battery (Standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (Optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum** AGSF-22W AGSF-22W
*Refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
**Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Front axle Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90F-250/350
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
F-350/450/550
(Dana 60 axle)2.7L (5.8 pints)
Rear axle
1,2Motorcraft SAE
75W-140
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-250 /350
(10.50 inch
axle)3.3L (6.9 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantF-350/450
(DANA 80)4.0L (8.5 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantF-550
(Dana 135)11.6L (24.5
pints)
Maintenance and Specifications
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FluidFord Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Mid-ship tank
(optional on
Chassis Cab)71.9L (19.0
gallons)
Right side
saddle mounted
tank (optional
on Chassis Cab)87.1L (23.0
gallons)
Short box 109.8L (29.0
gallons)
Long box 143.9L (38.0
gallons)
Aft axle 151.4L (40.0
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transfer case
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F4x4 vehicles 1.9L (2.0
quarts)
Transmission
fluid
4Motorcraft
MERCONAT F6-speed manual 5.5L (5.8
quarts)5
Automatic 16.7L (17.7
quarts)6
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.25
quarts)
1Your vehicle’s rear axle(s) may be filled with a synthetic lubricant that
may require a lubricant change. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide. Axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a
leak is suspected, service is required or the axle assembly has been
submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
2Add 236 ml (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118-A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
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3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
5Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface. The 6–speed
manual transmission is equipped with an in-tank cooler. Verify the fluid
level after operating vehicle to assure correct fluid level.
6Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Spindle bearingHigh
Temperature
4X4 Front Axle
and Wheel
Bearing GreaseE8TZ-19590–A ESA-M1C198–A
Front axle
(4X4)Hypoid Gear Oil
SAE 90C6AZ-19580–E ESW-M2C105–A
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ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Rear axleMotorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle Lube
1
XY-75W140–QL WSL-M2C192-A
Motorcraft SAE
75W-90
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W90–GLS –
Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant
(Dana 135
axles)
1
XY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Brake fluid and
clutch fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)VC-4–A (in
Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-10)ESE-M97B44-A
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7–A WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oilMotorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
Maintenance and Specifications
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