91' Automatic 302 Towing Capacity
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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91' Automatic 302 Towing Capacity
I have a 91' Bronco with automatic transmission and a 302. I'm thinking of getting a boat to go cruising a bit.
What much weight would it be safe to pull and how long can the boat be since I'm assuming the short wheelbase will be the biggest limiting factor.
Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
What much weight would it be safe to pull and how long can the boat be since I'm assuming the short wheelbase will be the biggest limiting factor.
Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
i believe the tow rating is 5-6,000lbs with the proper class 3 reciever. I wouldnt tow more then 1000lbs off the stock bumper. trailer brakes will help no matter what length the trailer/boat is but 25' is probably max
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 510
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From: Portland, OR
Check your axle ratio. If it's 3.55 and you have 31's, I wouldn't tow more than about 2,500 lb. if you have hills at all. The 302 doesn't like to lug. Far as I know, stock bumper is rated at 3,500 lb. but make sure. Also, see if you have tow package and add at least a tranny cooler if you don't.
Good luck,
Biederboat
Good luck,
Biederboat
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
I would not recommend a heavy load with the stock bumper either. I pulled some tree stumps out with mine and it caused it to sag. I had to get under neath and re-adjust the bolts. I have a class III hitch for it in my backyard. The only problem is that I need to drill bolt holes in my frame and I don't feel like getting into that project right now. Also, with the stock height of the truck I already drag my bumper when off-roading, the hitch would make it worse.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Stockton USA
Kameronth
just a thought...if you ever do get around to mounting that hitch and need to drill holes in the frame...get one of those tapered/stepped drill bits that allow you to drill progressively larger holes as the bit goes into the material.
I bought the one that drills up to 3/4 inch hole - about $30 at Lowe's. I was drilling into some 3/16 inch steel square tubing and that bit handled it like butter (6 holes). Don't forget to use some WD40 or other oil every once in a while to keep the temp under control. Once you drill a pilot hole in the frame, this stepped bit works lots better than regular drill bits. The guys on Orange County Choppers use em' all the time - that's where I got the idea!
I bought the one that drills up to 3/4 inch hole - about $30 at Lowe's. I was drilling into some 3/16 inch steel square tubing and that bit handled it like butter (6 holes). Don't forget to use some WD40 or other oil every once in a while to keep the temp under control. Once you drill a pilot hole in the frame, this stepped bit works lots better than regular drill bits. The guys on Orange County Choppers use em' all the time - that's where I got the idea!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 279
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From: Lehigh Valley, PA
I had 4.10's installed in mine with 31's and its BETTER on gas and STAYS in OD going up good size hills when empty I really like the 4.10's
I pulled my car trailer yesterday about 17-1800lbs and it was loaded with 4000lbs of logs. I went over a scale and it was 7740 truck, us junk in the truck, and the trailer. with the logs it was 11700. It pulled pretty good but you really KNOW the weight is there....
Oh I do have the 351 not the 302
Maybe this helps maybe not...
I pulled my car trailer yesterday about 17-1800lbs and it was loaded with 4000lbs of logs. I went over a scale and it was 7740 truck, us junk in the truck, and the trailer. with the logs it was 11700. It pulled pretty good but you really KNOW the weight is there....
Oh I do have the 351 not the 302
Maybe this helps maybe not...
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Florida Hill Country
With a class for hitch and dual tranny coolers and temp gauge I towed 6000 pound trailer from Riverside CA to Tallahassee Fl around June 23 of last summer down the I-10 through the freaking desert. The trailer is equipped with surge brakes. The Bronco is my daily driver. I did have it regeared from 3.55 to 4.1 before the trip. Thats with a 302/AOD. That's all I have to say about that.
Motel in Louisianna.
Tranny Temp in New Mexico at 80 mph
Motel in Louisianna.
Tranny Temp in New Mexico at 80 mph
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
Originally Posted by Mexray
just a thought...if you ever do get around to mounting that hitch and need to drill holes in the frame...get one of those tapered/stepped drill bits that allow you to drill progressively larger holes as the bit goes into the material.
I bought the one that drills up to 3/4 inch hole - about $30 at Lowe's. I was drilling into some 3/16 inch steel square tubing and that bit handled it like butter (6 holes). Don't forget to use some WD40 or other oil every once in a while to keep the temp under control. Once you drill a pilot hole in the frame, this stepped bit works lots better than regular drill bits. The guys on Orange County Choppers use em' all the time - that's where I got the idea!
I bought the one that drills up to 3/4 inch hole - about $30 at Lowe's. I was drilling into some 3/16 inch steel square tubing and that bit handled it like butter (6 holes). Don't forget to use some WD40 or other oil every once in a while to keep the temp under control. Once you drill a pilot hole in the frame, this stepped bit works lots better than regular drill bits. The guys on Orange County Choppers use em' all the time - that's where I got the idea!
I also have a 302 with 31in. tires and 4:10 gears. The new gearing made a huge difference with towing. When I rebuilt my AOD I also installed a Transgo reprograming kit. It shifts very firm, I like that when I am towing.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 208
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From: Stockton USA
Got to get some 4.10 gears!
my 89, 302 is a gutless wonder with it's stock size 31 inch rubber!
Don't know it it's true or not - but a tranny guy told me to not use OD when towing much weight, as the lower RPM's won't allow the tranny's fluid to flow at a high enough rate to do a good job of keeping things cool...I don't even use OD around town, only at higher speeds of 45 & up...
Don't know it it's true or not - but a tranny guy told me to not use OD when towing much weight, as the lower RPM's won't allow the tranny's fluid to flow at a high enough rate to do a good job of keeping things cool...I don't even use OD around town, only at higher speeds of 45 & up...
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
He is right. It is hard on the overdrive band when you use O/D when towing something heavy or when going under 55. It will burn it up quick. I just keep mine in Drive when towing or around town.
