I recently bought a used 2001 5.4L Expedition 4x4 xlt with a 3.55 limited slip. No tow package. I thought all I need to do was add a hitch. I was going to go to u-haul. But looking at what ford's towing package lists, now I am concerned that more is needed. Please help. I will be towing a twin axle trailer boat combo weighing in at around 6,800 pounds total. I believe I should get a class IV hitch. Is this correct? Does my vehicle already have the "super engine cooling" feature? Can U-haul install one? Is this another word for "radiator upgrade"? Do I already have to upgrade the radiator now to be able to tow my boat? What about the transmission cooler? Do I have this already? Do I add one with the dealer? Or can this be done at U-haul? Thanks in advance, Scott

 

Welcome to FTE. You will need a class IV hitch, and a weight distribution set up. I don't think you will need a bigger radiator, I don't remember if they tow package came with one. You will however, need a transmission cooler. You will also probably want to get an engine oil cooler. Make sure that you have the coolant changed, and flushed out so you have an efficient cooling system. U-Haul can do all of the above, except for the coolant flush. If you are mechanically inclined, you could do all of this yourself, you can get kits to add this stuff. Also, when you are towing, be sure to keep track of all your gauges. If you feel the truck shifting too much, take it out of overdrive. By too much, I mean a couple of times within 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the engine temp gauge, and if it starts to overheat, turn off the AC, and turn the heat on. If you do find that it starts to run hot, you will need to upgrade the radiator, but I don't anticipate this being a problem.

 

I know I need a class IV weight distributing hitch and a transmission cooler (if not already on). I am just not sure if I should / need to do the following:

1) Super Engine Cooler (radiator upgrade)
2) Engine oil cooler
3) Suspension changes
4) upgrade my 3.55 ls to a 3.73 ls
5) Upgrade breaking

p.s. will be towing just under a total of 7,000 pounds.

 

I don't think you will need to upgrade the radiator. Like I said, you will have to see if it overheats while towing. I don't think it will. I would add an engine oil cooler. It is cheap insurance, and will help keep the whole system cool. Don't worry about suspension upgrades. If you think the truck is too slow while towing, then upgrade the 3.55, but otherwise leave it. I have the 3.55 in mine, and tow a 3000 pound camping trailer plus gear, and I never have problems with it being slow. As for braking, it is up to you. For 7000 pounds, I would get a whole kit that includes slotted or drilled rotors, upgraded calipers, and better pads. You can get those kits online.

 

At that kinda weight, shouldn't the trailer have brakes of its own? I would imagine it would have hydraulic surge brakes.

 

The trailer should, either that or they will be electric. Like I said, it is up to him wether or not he wants to drop 300 on new brakes for his truck.