axle FORD E-450 2003 Owners Manual

LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
Load the luggage as far back as safely possible on the rack without
exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR). Use tie down loops to secure the load.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increase risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
CARGO ORGANIZER (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle comes equipped with a cargo organizer located on the floor
of the cargo area.
•To open, lift the cargo organizer
up to the upright position, pull
the front panel away from the
rear panel sliding it to the right
until it locks.
•To close, press the release
button, slide the front panel
towards the rear panel and fold
down to the stowed position.
•To remove, lift the cargo
organizer up to the upright position, unscrew the screw caps on each
side of the organizer and remove.
This cargo organizer is not designed to restrain objects during a
collision.
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STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Trailer Weight Range:Specified range of trailer weight from zero to
the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
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Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s
Guide Supplementfor diesel engine towing information.
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-150 Regular Van (6700 GVWR)
4.2L 3.55 4536 (10000) 2268 (5000) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2903 (6400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 3084 (6800) 5.52 (60)
E-150 Regular Van (Crew) (6700 GVWR)
4.2L 3.55 4536 (10000) 2178 (4800) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2812 (6200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2994 (6600) 5.52 (60)
E-150 Regular Van (Conversion) (7000 GVWR)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2858 (6300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 3039 (6700) 5.52 (60)
E-150 Regular Van (7–and 8–passenger) (7000 GVWR)
4.2L 3.55 4536 (10000) 2132 (4700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2767 (6100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2948 (6500) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Regular Van (7200 GVWR)
4.2L 3.73 4763 (10500) 2313 (5100) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Regular Van (Conversion) (7900 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3402 (7500) 5.52 (60)
.E-250 Regular Van (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.10 4990 (11000) 2540 (5600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3402 (7500) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Regular Van (Crew) (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.10 4990 (11000) 2449 (5400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Extended Van (7300 GVWR)
4.2L 3.73 4763 (10500) 2268 (5000) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Extended Van (Conversion) (7500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3266 (7200) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-250 Extended Van (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.10 4990 (11000) 2449 (5400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Extended Van (Crew) (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.10 4990 (11000) 2449 (5400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Van (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2858 (6300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4173 (9200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Van (Crew) (9500 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2767 (6100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3221 (7100) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4082 (9000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Van (9400 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2812 (6200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3266 (7200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4082 (9000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Van (Crew) (9250 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2676 (5900) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3130 (6900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Wagon (8 passenger) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73/4.10 5897 (13000) 3175 (7000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12 passenger) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73/4.10 5897 (13000) 3130 (6900) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12 passenger) (8600 GVWR)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (12 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2585 (5700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3039 (6700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3901 (8600) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9100 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2540 (5600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 2994 (6600) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, single rear wheel) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3629 (8000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.56 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.56 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Stripped Chassis (Single rear wheel) (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.09 4990 (11000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.10 5897 (13000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.10 5897 (13000) 3946 (8700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase) (11000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (176”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3810 (8400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Cutaway and Chassis Cab (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 9072 (20000) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
5.4L 4.56 5897 (13000) 3719 (8200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-550 (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.88 9072 (20000) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
* Maximum trailer weight for all cutaway (E-350 and E-450) vehicles must
be calculated by subtracting the weight of the vehicle (including
incomplete vehicle weight, and payload which includes second unit body
weight, cargo, and passengers) from the GCW. Otherwise, maximum trailer
weight is 4536 kg (10000 lbs)
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters (1000 ft)
elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your vehicle
can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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 or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
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.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
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