I was wondering where i can find out about towing capacity of the earlier explorers.. i need to be able to tow close to 3500 lbs, which isn't that much, but for upwards of 200 miles at a time. i need something affordable, this is why i'm not going with a newer V8. although, i'm not sure if the older explorers came with a V8.

i need a tow vehicle...

 

The 91-94 Explorers only had a pushrod V6, a great workhorse. I had a 92 that moved my sister to NJ from Utica, NY but first back from college in PA. We rented a UHall (sp?) and it towed great. I'm not sure of the weight but the first one had one set of wheels and the second had to sets of wheels. We had the towing package and just used the tow hitch built into the step bumper (I think it's rated for 3500lbs). For over 3500lbs, you need to install a frame mounted hitch which I don't think is hard to install. According to my 93 Explorer Brochure, the max. is 5600lbs for a 2 door 4X2 automatic. The 4X4s still tow good (ours was 4X4), a couple hundred pounds less than the max.

Just be sure that is has a tranny cooler. It came with the tow package which ours had. Never any tranny problems with the cooler but w/o it, it's a real strain on it.

Good luck

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 02-Nov-02 AT 05:00 PM (EST)]The OD section in this transmission is a little weak and it really doesn't hurt the fuel economy. Again the tranny cooler is a must.

 

thanks a bunch for the responses. i thought it would only have a v6. i may opt with a 4wd just for the versitility.

i need a tow vehicle...