Getting ready for a 3K mile tow w/ 5th wheel

[boatguy]

I have an 06 6.0 F250 4x4 w/ 43K miles and she is stock. I am moving from Fl to Reno Nevada. I am taking a 12K LB 5th wheel with me. I have already replaced brakes and shocks. I also put new duratrac tires on her. I have been running rotella syn oil. Here are my questions.
Need to change tranny fluid. What should I use?
I read about the stretching head bolts. Should I worry on a stock truck?
Should I use a different oil?
Now here is the head scratcher. 5th wheel tows like a dream BUT...Going up hill (Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the only hill we have in St Pete Fl ) I can feel a slight shimmy. This only happens on a steep hill. I am concerned because we will be hauling through mountains and I am a Florida boy who does not know much about mountains. It reminds me of towing a boat trailer without enough tongue weight. The 5th hitch is a little high and I can lower it about 2 inches. Is this a height issue or a weight issue? If it is a weight issue I can load more weight forward in the trailer. I can lower the hitch and try another run over the Skyway?
Thank you for your input

 

[DaveBen]

Motorcraft Mercon SP is the ONLY oil that goes in this transmission!! It is hard to find locally, but your Ford dealer has it. Auto Parts stores do not carry it. I would not worry too much about stretching head bolts unless you have or add a tuner or a power chip. There are many trucks on the road that don't have head studs, including mine.

Dave

 

[DaveBen]

Get your hitch at the right height and try it. Don't fix anything that is not broken, or about to break. If you are going across this country, get the towing details perfect.

Dave

 

[powerboatr]

we run a heavy pin, 2500-3000k lbs
makes the truck ride good and gets the weight where it should be.
20% to 25% of your trailers weight should be on the pin as a recommendation

i admit my truck is different from yours,
6.0 and 430 rear gears.....no power adders just a 4" exhaust and not cat
she pulls fantastic even in the hills and mountains.

6.0 likes to turn a higher rpm to be in its zone, mine likes 2500-2800 rpm
i would find the speed that is safe under 70 that feels balanced and strng.
a 250 i would guess you have 373 rear gears so turning 2500 may make you scoot on down the road a bit fast


aside from a few intercooler hose blow offs, on 1-10 in florida last summer,
and one hpop quick disconnect the engine has been a trooper.
i would recommend a can of isopropol (sp) alcohol and cheap hair spray and a few extra hose clamps for the intercooler hoes ends.

have a safe trip.

 

[MJ Synthetics]

Does anybody think the shimmy could be from old rear end fluid? I think it might be and it would be cheao insurance to change it to the fresh fluid of your choice before the move. Just a thought.

 

[pete37922]

i would change all ur fluids b4 the trip...everythin will be fresh !!!

 

[pete37922]

changin the fluids will be 1 less thing 2 worry about !!!

 

[KRISTOLSON]

If you are going to change oil in your differentials, make sure and put in 1 pt. of friction modifier with the oil, otherwise your limited slip will start to act up. I would look at your u joints and carrier bearings if it is a shudder under load. Or is what you are describing more of a wheelhop sensation? If it is, I would think more tongue weight would be the answer. good luck with your move

 

[Dogman]

boatguy, Your just across the pond from me, Were abouts in st pete are you?? I'm think more tongue weight. Is your fresh water tank in front on your 5th wheel, if so add some water and see if it helps. I belive the trans. should be flushed about every 50K miles.

 

[jpringle83]

Do you get the same shudder under hard acceleration? If so it's a driveline vibration I get it too along with my father in-law. It's more common for those with a two-piece driveshaft. It's nothing to worry about.