Towing capacity.....

[hydroxy]

The SOHC on the v6's didn't start till 97 or 98 I believe... I have a 95 and it isn't the SOHC v6. The SOHC is significantly stronger then the previous engines.

[Majisto]

Originally posted by hydroxy
The SOHC on the v6's didn't start till 97 or 98 I believe... I have a 95 and it isn't the SOHC v6. The SOHC is significantly stronger then the previous engines.

Well, I answered your "question", but my post is a bit long, so maybe not everybody read it. 1997 is the first model year of the SOHC motor.

However this needs to be cleared up, Gross Vehicle Weight is not the weight of the vehicle. You need to go by curb weight for the vehicle weight. Seeing as how an F-150 Lightning is about 4,800 lbs, I can't see how a 1/4 ton vehicle with a smaller motor and frame is going to be heavier than a big 1/2 ton truck with a supercharger.

As well, go tow a good 30' boat with a Ranger and then hop in a nice extended bed F-350 and tell me which one has more trailer sway. If you tell me the Ranger, you don't deserve to be towing.

[Cm snipe]

when the hell did this turn into a what can tow what. the persons question was simply if they can tow a small raced out stang not a 30' boat

[Majisto]

Originally posted by Cm snipe
when the hell did this turn into a what can tow what. the persons question was simply if they can tow a small raced out stang not a 30' boat

Just educating the masses whether they want to hear it or not.

But yes, that fox Mustang will easily be pulled by any 2nd Gen; even an OHV if you have to.

[2002man]

I have to say....if you have a Explorer with a 4.0 and a trailer towing package it will pull a fox body stang up a mountain all day long if you need too. I've done it! I have a 2002 Explorer with the 4.0 and it pulls like a champ. Yes, it is the "newer" version and I am here to tell you...it pulls better than my father-in-laws Dodge thats for sure. Keep in mind that the trailer towing package is the key...oil cooler, trans cooler, and 3.73 gears. My explorer has 85,000 miles on it. I have also pulled a 18ft car trailer with 4 ATVS on it. That trailer tipped the scales at around 4000lbs. But I do agree about having trailer brakes. It would be a beast to stop...even with the descent 4 wheel disks that the newer Explorers have. But if you came do it...by a F250 with a Powerstroke. You never know...I might be going down that road some day too.

Hope this helps!

[LV Dan]

I have a '99 V6 SHOC with the trailer package: tranny cooler, 3.73 LS, 5R55E tranny, etc. Owner's manual states a 5900 lb GTW rating. I am surprised how well it pulls a heavy trailer. The SHOC engine has great torque and I could pull 4000lbs of trailer up any hill at 55 MPH. I can recommend using such a vehicle to tow with.

I have experienced some negatives:

1) The gearing doesn't allow you to go over 70 MPH without the overdrive in. But overdrive shouldn't be used when bucking a wind or towing up hill. So your max speed is limitted with gearing/RPMs.

2) The profile of the trailer is as important as the weight. The owner's manual says no more than 56 sq.ft. front surface area, my trailer has 60 sq.ft. When bucking a wind, the trailer feels like i'm towing 6000 lbs.

3) A weight distribution hitch with aniti-sway is a must. I bought an Equal-i-zer which has integral anti-sway; highly recommended. But don't use too strong of springs or the Explorer's frame will flex, too. 1000 lb springs are too stiff, 600 to 750 are okay.

4) The connection of the hitch receiver to the frame of the Explorer needs to be re-inforced. At least for '97-'01. The newer Explorers have boxed frames so they should be stiffer than the C channel of the '97-'01, but I don't have experience with the newer.

5) A dual axle trailer (7000lb GTW) must have trailer brakes. The Explorers with 4 wheel disc brakes can handle a single axle trailer (3500 GTW) without issue, but brakes a are good safety feature for any tailer.

[2002man]

I agree LV Dan!!
It is amazing how well they do pull when they are properly equipped.
It makes all the diference in the world!