2002 Explorer Towing
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 29
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2002 Explorer Towing
Just looked at an '02 Explorer last night to replace my 11 year old Explorer. Has anyone towed with one of these? The new Explorer has no trany cooler, and still shows it can tow 3500 lbs without the towing package, and 6000+ lbs with the towing package. The tranny is filled with synthetic liquid, no dip stick to check the level, it's supposed to be good for 100K miles. Standard Explorer comes iwth a a class II hitch (up to 3500 lbs), the towing package is a class III hitch and a 3.73 rear axle. I cooked my tranny in my old Explorer at 77K miles. I'd expect the cooler to be essential.
Any one have experience on this?
Any one have experience on this?
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
2002 Explorer Towing
All 4 dr Explorers have trans oil coolers in them. The cooler is located between the radiator and condenser, down near the frame rails. The transmission fluid is not synthetic.
4.0L trailer tow options are 3.73 axles, and an engine oil cooler. The 4.6L does not have the engine oil cooler.
I tow with the 4.0L and the 4.6L. They will do the rated limit easily if you tow a small frontal area trailer, such as a pop-up. When you tow a trailer with a large frontal area, the 4.0L fuel economy sucks. the 4.6L is nothing to brag about, but it is my preferred vehicle when towing heavy Class III
4.0L trailer tow options are 3.73 axles, and an engine oil cooler. The 4.6L does not have the engine oil cooler.
I tow with the 4.0L and the 4.6L. They will do the rated limit easily if you tow a small frontal area trailer, such as a pop-up. When you tow a trailer with a large frontal area, the 4.0L fuel economy sucks. the 4.6L is nothing to brag about, but it is my preferred vehicle when towing heavy Class III
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 136
Likes: 98
2002 Explorer Towing
I just bought a 2002, 4 door, 4.0L last week. It does have a tranny cooler. I have bought another cooler for it along with a magnefine in line filter and will put Amsoil in it. I also bought the Helm shop manuals and it says run 100k for normal use and sever use change fluid every 30k. I have a 2002 dually powerstroke so I won't be towing with the explorer. I feel though an extra cooler and Amsoil which I do to every automatic is cheap insurance. I have never had a tranny fail since I have been doing this. Too bad we have to add these items to make them last. Changing the fluid is not that hard. In the tranny pan there is a drain plug. In the middle of the drain plug is another plug. The drain plug is like a stand pipe. You get the fluid to a warm temp (about 120 degrees) the on level ground, motor idling, open the middle plug and let any fluid run out. Once it stops the level is proper. To add fluid you pump fluid through the same hole until it wants to run out. I have the 5r55s tranny and it holds 12.7 qts with out the extra cooler. Cooler is 45.00 and magnefine filter 20.00. Bill
