Hi and welcome to FTZ. The tow ratings were increased along with upgrades to the engine. The spark plug gap was reduced (to accommodate more boost), upgraded intercooler, electronic blow-off valve, cam position sensors moved, turbo itself modified, changes to the PCV and vacuum system. So while the HP ratings are the same, the system can operate with lower turbo exhaust temperatures, allowing it to stay at higher boost levels with loads.

 

Yeah, most of the dealers don't know all that much, and the people at Ford customer service in my experience are paid mainly to act clueless if you have a complaint! Sometimes you get lucky though and find someone at a dealer who really knows there's stuff.

We've got one guy here who knows pretty much every Ford part number there is over the last several decades, but he's been retired for quite some time.

A lot of people here know all about them, different guys (and gals) for different era Fords, I know the late 60s stuff, and from 1997 up.