Hey everybody, gotta few questions for you towing gurus. I have a 1997 3.0 Wagon with a 4:10 rear and 4 speed automatic trans. According to my manual it says my 'star is rated at 4000 lbs towing capacity, but apparently anything over 1500 lbs should have supplemental brakes on the trailer. They also have some info on tongue weight that I don't recall offhand. Right now my Aerostar has stock springs and shocks. I'd like to use to it tow a 1500-3500lb wood chipper or a trailer loaded to around 3000lbs max (usually less) once in a while (for usually short distances, but occasionally a longer haul may be required).

I'd like to beef up my rear springs to accommodate more tongue weight and to improve stability with a loaded trailer on the back. I remember those air shocks everybody used back in the 70's and 80's. Are those ok, or is there a better way to go? Trying to do this in the most cost effective way, don't want to buy an expensive spring retrofit kit if I can help it. I also will be buying heavy duty 15" truck tires all around. I already have a class II hitch with 2" ball that's rated at like 3500 lbs if I recall, wired with the light plug already. As far as I know, the '97 Aerostar already comes with a transmission cooler stock - do you think it is sufficient for the towing I mention above?

Let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Id recommend the air bag inside the springs setup. Worked wonders for me.

 

Air bags in back
High pressure gas shocks all the way around, I like the KYB Gas-A-Just.
Monroes are too light duty, wear out and won't handle the weight even new.

KYB Americas | Gas-a-Just