I would like to increase my towing capacity on my V6 XLS 3.55 axle Explorer that currently is about 3500lbs. In the manual with the V6, auto tranny, and the 3.73 rear end, the towing capacity is 5900lbs. I wanted to just simple enough change the gear out, however they say it will throw off the spedometer. I've called the Ford help line, (they dont know anything and refer me to the dealer). I've called several dealers and they wont touch changing the rear end.....

Oh and about that factory hitch thats installed in the bumper. Do I remove that and add the bigger hitch or do you just mount the other below it?


**Please help if anyone knows how I can increase my towing capacity to tow my new boat**

Thanks,

Dan

 

Think you are going to have a problem. If you have a 4x4 the transaxle and rear end gears need to match. The tow package comes with a class III/IV hitch, added oil and trans coolers and limited slip rear end. Don't think it would be a problem to install the hitch but wouldn't recommend exceding your tow limits without the full package. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

My truck is a two-wheel drive....so basically if I could change my rear end to the 3:73 and have an oil cooler, and tranny cooler installed I should be okay...

Dan

 

Do you have the 2" receiver or the smaller one? The 2" should handle a 5000 lb. trailer and a 500 lb tongue weight. The smaller one is only good to about 3500/350, maybe less. I have seen used integral 2" receiver/bumbers on eBay.

I think the tow package also had bigger brakes. The 3.73 is more than just a gear difference. The whole differential is stronger and is limited slip plus a modified lubricant to get the higher tow capacity. There were also some differences in transmissions in earlier years w/wo tow package, but I am not sure of any differences in '02. I think they are all 5R55E trannys which will handle the towing so long as you don't stress the OD.

 

Consider this.....
Its a V6 and it's a Automatic. Def. get a oil cooler, don't get a double axel trailer and don't go over 14' in length on the travel trailer. Stay below 3500 lbs. as much as possible. Stay away from changing the gears as this will lead to tranny issues in a hurry. Add some anti shudder lube to the tranny and consider using some transmission conditioner. Hope this helps.