towing w/ 96 f-150

I have 96 f-150, If I had the auto It would be rated to haul 7100lb. But since I have a stick it is only rated to haul 3500lb( same engin and rear gear ratio ..5.0L, 3.55}
Why is there such a differance??\
I have to haul 2-3 horse to WY from Reno a load of4500-5500
And I'm wondering if my truck can do it. I plan to put a new Luk pro gold clutch in . any one out there have any thoughts?? It seem to me that a 1/2 ton should be able to pull 5k!!??
Thanks to any one with thoughts.. James

upgrade to a ZF tranny that M50D is a piece of crap. it should be fine if you take it easy make sure the tranny/transfercase fluid is in good shape they take ATF. if the tounge weight is realy high you might want to get a set of overload springs. i'd keep it out of OD so there will be less torque on the clutch & most the tranny.

The reason for the rating difference between the A/T and M/T is the clutch... most drivers DO NOT use them properly, and Ford does not want people complaining about needing a clutch in 20,000 miles.

Most of us who drive trucks, tractors, etc. with standard transmissions do it basically "right". My test is: Can you/do you get it moving WITHOUT touching the accelerator (empty). If you anser yea, then tow what you want. If your habit is to slip the clutch (gas and clutch operated simultaneously) than maybe a A/T is a better choice.

This is for clutch life, not transmission capacity.

I was told that a ZF trany would not mount to my engine. So is that true or not. I would like not to swithch tranys if posable, But I will have it out any way, to replace the clutch. With a new clutch w/ higher clamping power like the luk. can I get a way with theM5OD ? I plan on towing carefuly 55 or 60mph

A ZF tranny will mount to your engine, make sure when you swap, to make sure the PCM will work, otherwise you will have to swap them out. I would blame the towing difference in the M5OD. They are a light duty trans. Usually syncros will go out in them and they are not built to be used. A ZF would be a good choice. I would not truck the M5OD any further than what you can throw it. It will work for now and then hauling, but not for a long haul.

I hauled 2 horses today wi the m5. It moves it just fine. No problems cimbing hills. but my main concern now is stopping. The 1st gear is to high to hold much when going slow. I have yet to try hauling this load at highway speed. I think/ hope 2 will hold back better propotional to my speed.
shlod I make the trip 900 mi to WY or just break down and get a 3/4 ton. I real want to may this truck work.

Wy, use your head as wisely as your truck, and I don't see too many problems. Make sure you have good trailer brakes, and always keep in mind how much you are hauling. Drive accordingly. Most accidents caused while towing, are a direct result of the driver crossing the " stupid" line. I have seen people haul some pretty outrageous stuff with 1/2 ton trucks, and as long as they are smart about it, have no problems. Buddy of mine used to haul his 863 Bobcat with a post hole auger, two buckets, and his pallet forks, on a tandem axle trailer, using his chevy 1/2 ton with a five speed tranny. In theory, not enough truck, but it did him well for a couple years til he could afford a bigger unit.
Think clearly, plan ahead to allow for extra stopping distances, and watch carefully for the OG ( other guy), and you will do fine.