my gf has a 94 ranger ext 2wd 4.0 auto with 8.8 rear end and 3.08 gears it has a really big factory trans cooler how much should i tow with it i dont wanna hurt the trans normally i wouldnt care but its not my truck i pull anything with mine lol the ranger does have a reese hitch but i heard of tranny problems? whats a weight range for trailers ?

 

Are you sure it has 3.08 gears? Seems low since it has the 4.0 and 8.8.

Better question, what would need to tow with it? What class hitch do you have?

 

the axle code is 92 i was told it is 3.08 idk what class hitch it has the most i would ever have to tow with it is 4,000 lbs but for no longer than a 10-15 min drive i have a good size size pop up camper and it will be full of camping supplys and the truck will have a load of wood i'd be towing that for a 2 hr drive once a year? i would normally use my f150-300 i6 but but she wants to use her truck prolly because its her first pick up lol i just dont wanna over work a ranger im used to full size trucks

 

Check owner's manual, there's a need to weigh the truck and do some calculations.

 

As has been suggested, check the owners manual for the max trailer & vehicle weight, for how the vehicle is outfitted.

To safely tow the 4000 lb trailer It'll need a Frame mounted class-3 hitch, NOT a bumper hitch, as the bumper is only rated for something like 2000 lbs max.

I don't know what the 94 4.0L SC is rated to tow, as the 99's didn't come with a 3.08, but my 99 4.0L 4dr super cab 5spd auto tranny, with a 3.55 rear end, tow package & payload pkg-2, is rated to tow 5980 lbs.

So it seems to me a 94 4.0L SC, with a 3.08 rear end, auto tranny with a cooler & a class-3 hitch, should be able to tow 4000 lbs ok.

Her Payload Pkg & tire size will play a part too, so look in the 94 owners manual for the fine print, once you know how it was built.
If your not certain how it was built, a Ford Dealer should be able to print a build sheet using the VIN, that'll show how it was delivered from the factory.

If it indeed has axle code 92, it's a 3.08 Open rear end.
Here is a post link to differential codes for Rangers & Explorers.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Axle tage decoding needed!!!!

 

has anyone one ever did any towing with a setup like her truck the owners manual says my 93 f150 maximum towing is like 2,200 lbs but i never go by it

 

In my experience, it's more of a brake issue than a transmission issue. If you try to tow too much, it can overheat the brakes and cause the rotors to warp.....been there, done that.....I would be weary of towing 4000 lbs with a ranger, especially on a 2 hour drive. If you think about it, that's like towing a car on a car hauler. (trailer 1000lbs, and car 3000lbs) JMO
mike

 

Most states require electric trailer brakes on trailers over 2500 pounds. Just something to think about.

 

i said id be towing it for 10-15 min drive not 2hr

 

that is what the 4,000 lbs is lol my car on the trailer

 

laugh all you want dude. You can hook 4000 lbs to a riding lawn mower and get it moving. It doesn't matter whether you are driving 10 min or 2 days, you still have to get it stopped. It's your truck. Once or twice probably won't hurt it too bad. Do it regurlarly and plan on brake problems.

 

Guys have hauled more than 4000 lbs with Rangers and haven't had any problems

 

its the panic stop on wet pavement that will get to you.

 

I'm in total agreement with pawpaw, as I've been towing 5000-ish lbs with the same trucks specs he drives. I've even had to tow home without Trailer Brakes functioning and had no issues. However, I have ceramic pads up front, and I knew they werent functioning, so I drove cautiously and left a lot of room in front of me.

The biggest thing is keeping the truck well maintained. If you take care of the truck, it will do a lot of work for you for a long time to come. The 3.08 gears aren't ideal, but it should still be up to the task. The heavier pop ups usually came with brakes, as do pretty much all factory built car haulers.

 

I have a 94 Splash excab with a 4.0, 5spd, 2wd and the 3.08 rear, and a class 3 frame hitch. I often tow a 2 place jetski trailer with it, around 2200 lbs. Trips have been anywhere from 25 to 1200 miles. Never had any real issues, although i will say with the 3.08 there have been times on long steep inclines i wish it had a little more punch to it.