I just put a deposit on a 1991 Club Wagon XLT that I'll be picking up on Monday. The body has some rust spots and some minor damage from a previous owner sideswiping something on the passenger side, but it run well and I couldn't pass up the price, $795. The only negative that I noticed was sloppy steering. The steering wheel seems to have a lot of play in it compared to what I'm used to driving (94Z28, 99 Neon and 03 Chrysler T&C). It has a HD towing package including a trailer brake setup under the dash and transmission cooler in front of the radiator. Since this is all new to me, are most trailer braking systems compatible?
Also, what transmission came on the 91 Club Wagon? It has an auto w/overdrive in it, but I'm not familiar enough with Ford trucks to know what trans/engine combo is in it. (I'm assuming that the motor is a 351.)
Any info or tips on towing and maintenance on this van would be appreciated. I plan on driving it through the winter and using it to tow my Z28 to the dragstrip in the summer. Any idea on what the gas mileage should be w/ and w/o trailer would also be appreciated.

 

With the HD towing package you get a 351HD (beefed up version of the 351w) and an E4OD trans. Look at the vin if the 8th position is "H" then it's a 351, if it's "N" then it's a 302. But congrats.

 

I tow 5000-6000 enclosed trailer to Fla. and back to NH.
I have to keep the OD off and I get 8-9 mpg. It tows ok.
Sounds like the same setup I have ...just the older body style

I had the pleasure of using a new 2003 E350 V-10 a few weeks back. WOW.....

 

We got 10mpg in mountains moving my sister from Blue Ridge Summit, PA a couple years ago. Between my 1/2 ton van and a small trailer we had a 3 bedroom apartment loaded up.

 

The VIN has an "N" in the 8th position, so it's a 302.
The towing package is aftermarket is my guess. Trans cooler in front of radiator, electronic braking system, HD hitch. The trans is a 4 speed auto w/OD though. Would it be a C6, then?

 

 

the trans is probable an E4OD, or AOD-E, it is possible that it is a factory tow package, my dad's 88 with a 302 has a towing package.

 

My guess on the tranny is if it has a button on the shifter then possiblly E4OD. No button on shifter and drive indicator goes: PND(w/circle)D21 then AOD-E.
I have an 86 W/ 5.0(EFI 302) and AOD-E. It did alright pulling a 6000# trailer up and down these Alaskan mtns. I did have a lower final gear ratio due to the low profile tires I run, 26" tall. MPG about 5-6 with trailer @65, 10-12 empty @70 very little stop and go driving. It got me from point A to B with the trailer, but it didn't like the long steep grades.

 

from your excellent description above, I'd have to say it's an AOD-E.
Thanks