Good Morning

The original invoice from my 97 Explorer LTD -4.0 SOHC has these two options listed;
XD4 - 3.73 LS Axle / t (anything else that should have printed was cut off)
TTP - Trailer Tow Package

I will assume that the LS is Limited slip and the taller ratio should help with towing.
can anybody tell me what should be included with the TTP?

I can see the Tranny cooler and a 4 pin flat connector. I am hoping for an electric brake controller plug-in someplace.

Cheers

Doug

 

I bought the tow package on my 99 XLT 4wd Explorer with the SOHC 4.0. I hooked up the plug to the cable harness in the Explorer to get the flat 4-pin trailer connector. Unfotunately, that is the only wiring it gives and does not include connections for electric braking. I plan to study the wiring diagram to see if there is any way to get a signal back there, but I doubt there is much hope other than running a seperate wire. Check RV.net forums as I found some interesting tech points to accomplishing this.

I have found that the features in the tow package include the 3.73 L/S (limited slip) gear, the external transmission fluid cooler, and the wiring adapter. Because of the 3.73 axle, the lube is synthetic based with a friction modifier to hold up under towing, allowing very infrequent lube changes unless buried in water. I also came across something that said the radiator has a higher capacity.

I also have the 5R55E transimission but I think that comes with a 4WD vehicle and not because of the tow package. It might also be mated with only the 4.0 SOHC.

I discovered some problems with the 5R55E transmission and the 3.73 setup: the manual says not to drive in overdrive (OD) when towing. But without OD, the engine turns 3000 rpms to go 60 miles per hour. When travelling the interstate, I'm the slowest thing on the road. If I try to go 75 MPH, the RPMs are almost 4000. This is fine going up hills, but when the engine doesn't have to produce much torque, the high RPMs cause a LOT of lifter noise. I don't like this and am afraid of engine failure. So I use OD going down hills and on flats with a tail wind. I must slow down up hills even if the engine can handle it. I just changed my transmission fluid and filter and found the fluid to be heavily worn (dark color), but virtually no metal or other materials in the filter or pan. I hope this means that my transmission is handling it fine.

Conclusion: I don't like the engine/transmission/gear setup for towing on my Explorer at all! I image all this changes with the 5.0 V8.

 

Hi,

What kind of weight have you been towing with this set up?

I have now wired and installed the Brake controller and prewired for a Tranny temp gauge that will be installed tomorrow.
I did run new wire to the rear to complete a 6 pin connector.

Thanks for your input.

Regards, Doug

 

I have only been pulling a single axle cargo trailer rated for 3000 lbs. I loaded it up for one trip and it weighed almost 3000 lbs. My Explorer had no problems pulling the weight--both acceleration and braking performed well.

I observed something quite important to the Explorer: surface area of the trailer is every bit as important as weight. Let me explain. I purchased an enclosed cargo trailer that has added height, creating a front surface area just over 60 sq. ft. and is a little higher than the Explorer itself. The Ford Explorer manual states not to pull anything larger than 56 sq. ft., but I figured that was close enough. But when I pulled the trailer in a strong head wind, it was like driving with the parking brake on! Wind gust often took 10 MPH off my traveling speed--worse than most hills. Climbing hills, even with 3000 lbs., was no problem with the OD off. I could pick any speed I wanted, even going over the Rockies!

I forget the exact number, but with the 5R55E and the 3.73 L/S rear axle, the my manual says it is rated for around 5600 lbs. The number de-rates a little for altitude, but never drops below 5000 lbs. However, dual axle trailers are rated for 7000 lbs, so be careful not to overload.

 

I don't know if you are using a weight distribution hitch, which is highly recommended, but a word of caution: don't get heavy springs! I bought an Equal-I-Zer hitch which has the spring bars and anti-sway designed together. It is a sweet set-up. However, I purchased the 1000 lb. bars which are way too much for a 3000 lb. trailer, but I wanted to prepare for heavier. The suspension on the rear of the Explorer is so soft, any weight tends to make it sag. So I set up the hitch and took all the rear sag out so everything was nice and flat. Then I drove down the highway, stopped, and the back end of my Explorer was sagging. Readjusted the hitch, all was level, and drove down the road again. Stopped, and the Explorer was sagging again! Turns out, the tension from the WD springs was bending my frame! Not much, and just the ends, but enough to take the effect of the WD out! So now I must reinforce my frame and get 600 lb. bars.

Also, I bought a Hidden Hitch round tube style 2" receiver and it is much stronger than the Explorer Frame. I got the round tube style to satisfy my wife; she is happy with the appearance. I am happy with it's strength and easy installation.