2003 Towing question
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
2003 Towing question
I just towed our tent trailer for the 1st time with our 2003. My understanding is they have a greater towing capacity compared to the previous models. I noticed that there seems to be much less low end on this one. Maybe I'm being too critical.....just seems like our 2000 towed a little better. Especially off the line. The 03 almost seems like it is in need of another gear. I also tried with and without OD. Seems like it didn't shift at all without OD, but with it, it seemed to worked a little better (as far as gear selection goes).
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Interesting. I've had a 2000, 2002 and now a 2003. I thought the 2003 had more off the line, but lacked in the top ranges. Do you know what gearing you had in the '00? I know the 03 has 3.73. Also, You didn't mention if you had the 5.4 or the 4.6. Horsepower and torque has gone up in both engines over the 3 year curve. If you had downsized the engine, I would understand, but other than that, unless there is a mechanical reason, the new truck should have more power, at least in theory.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
TKD....both had/have the 5.4, and I am pretty sure I have 3.73 gearing in both as well. I am not an expert, so I may be wrong. I know they both are EB models (if that helps). Nothing special ordered, just off the dealer lot. And it could just be that I haven't driven the 03 as much, as it is normally my wifes daily driver. But it almost feels like there should be an extra shift off the line in the 03. Thanks for the feedback though. I will check and see if I can verify the gearing. If it is the 3.55 would that cause me to "appear" slower off the line?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Not sure what to say MM. Without knowing what packages were on the earlier trucks, it's hard to tell what the rear end was. I think the 3.73 was an option in the earlier models. With the 3.73 (standard rear end) in the 03, the engine RPMs will climb a little faster that with a 3.55. The 3.55 would have a lower engine rpm at road speed, but it would not have as much "oomph" out of the hole. I have noticed that when the truck hits 3rd gear around town, there seems to be a little bit of a "hole" in the ratios and it feels a little flat at times. One other idea--the 03 curb weight is a little higher and that *might* have an effect, but it should be minimal. The truck is not the quickest off the line, but when pulling trailers from 900-5000lbs, the truck didn't seem to be too much slower off the line than when empty. That's where I noticed the biggest difference in the gearing. I hope I didn't confuse you. Maybe some of the more knowledgable members can help.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
scottman70
Excursion - King of SUVs
10
Apr 17, 2007 12:51 PM
xc600
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
17
Feb 12, 2005 08:40 PM
