Hey guys! I just found this forum this morning and I think I really like it already! I have a question I would like an answer too. A friend of mine wants me to pull a 1943 WWII ****** Jeep for him. My truck has the 4.2 V6 and is 4x4 with a 5 speed manual. I also have oversize tires on it. They are 285/75 R16's.

I'm going to borrow my uncle's homemade 16' car trailer that's fairly heavily built. The data plate on the jeep says it weighs 1850 pounds, but in actuality weighs probably close to 2000. Do you think I'll have troubles pulling this jeep 200 miles down I-70? The heaviest thing I've pulled with this truck has been about 3500-4000 pounds. It handled it ok if I got up to about 65-70 MPH. It just did not handle the hills very good, but these are hills found on two lane roads in Missouri! I think I'll be ok on the interstate. I'll be following my buddy. He's pulling a WWII deuce-and-a-half with a F-350 with a 460 in it.

My Dad didn't think I would have a problem with it, but probably didn't think I would break any speed records! I told him I figured that. He used to pull skidsteer loaders around with a 4.2L equipped F-150 4x2 all the time. He said it handled them fine. Only they used overload springs on it. They don't have the truck now, so I'm trying to buy the overloads. I think I might need them if I haul a jeep.
Thanks
Eric

Forgot to ask, is there any chip you can put on these engines to squeeze out any more power?

 

Hi and welcome to FTE!! Glad you found us and glad you like it.
Hope you stick around.

I'd guess you'll be OK. The oversize tires might hurt you a little but since it's all interstate, you'll probably be OK.

The unknown is the trailer. If it is very heavy you might push the max trailer weight for the 4.2 w/ 5 speed.
I believe the only rear end available for the 4.2 4X4 was the 3.55 and the max towing capacity was 3,200 lbs. So, you'll be close.

If you are skilled with the manual transmission and can avoid clutch problems, then I'd go for it.


If the trailer does not have brakes, be aware of that and DRIVE ACCORDINGLY. Stopping a load can cause more problems than pulling it.

So drive carefully!!

Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

Thanks for the reply. I don't think the trailer will be that heavy. I'll probably be close though. I've been debating on buying a MAC intake and installing it before I head out on my trip. Do you think I'd notice a difference? This trailer doesn't have breaks, but I've been around manual trannys and truck/trailers since I was big enough to reach the pedals.(farmboy!) That doesn't worry me. I just don't want my truck to be pulled down all the time and be run over on I-70! By what others have said about the 4.2 here, I think if I can keep my speed up and RPM's up I'll be fine.
Thanks,
Eric

 

I don't think the MAC would provide a significant benefit. I had one on my 2000 model and never regretted it.
Maybe a slight improvement when very heavy on the gas (higher rpm range) but nothing major.

One thing to consider - I'd avoid messing with it right before you make the trip. A broken wire, loose vacuum line, etc. that could occur when you start dorkin' around under the hood might frustrate your trip.

Better to mess around under the hood when you'll be local for the next day or two.
Just in case......

 

Leave it in 4th gear on the interstate. 5th will probably lug the engine.

 

I think you're probably right. I'll try it once. I guess if it doesn't work very good, I'll know not to do it next time!
Eric

 

I just pulled a 3500# trailer from Central PA. to Phoenix, AZ. and had 1000# in the bed of my 01 4.2 5spd. I kept it in 4th gear on the highway and it did fine.

 

I got the trailer I'm using last night. It's not as heavy as I thought it would be and I hardly knew it was behind me last night! I don't think I'll have any problem pulling the jeep. I am going to change all the oils this week before I go. Engine is going to get it tonight. Tomorrow night might be tranny. I am thinking about changing the oil in the rear end too. Is there a gasket that goes behind the plate on the rear end to seal in the oil? I thought pulling a trailer, it might be a good idea to put new oil in there.
Thanks!
Eric