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Class II Receiver Changeout

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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 06:31 PM
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Question Class II Receiver Changeout

My '03 Explorer with a 3.73 axle is rated for 5380 lbs towing capacity - adequate for my travel trailer but the Class II receiver needs changing to a Class III to accomodate a weight distributing setup. Is this a simple matter of removing the old and installing a new hitch/receiver? Are there any issues I may be unaware of?
 
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 10:50 PM
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If you have the 3.73 LS rear end, then you already have a Class III hitch (2" hole) with a 7-pin connector. If you have the Class II hitch (1-1/4" hole), then your rear gears are 3.55 with a 4-pin connector. Also, if it's a V6 it'll be missing the oil cooler.

Steve
 

Last edited by Steina; Mar 12, 2007 at 10:59 PM.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 04:57 AM
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axle code?

The machine has the 1 1/4" receiver - Class II. I've seen quite a bit of discussion here re:Class II and axle ratios, etc. so I was on the lookout for the axle on this Explorer. The axle code on the door post (D4) was checked by the dealer who reports it to be a 3.73LS rear. They say that the 3.55 would be axle code 45. Does this jibe?
 
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 01:09 PM
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Nope, sure doesn't - the tow package included a Class III (2") hitch, 3.73 LS rear end, 7-pin trailer connector, and an oil cooler for the V6. If you have the Class II hitch and 4-pin connector I seriously doubt you have the 3.73 LS - more likely the 3.55 non-LS.

Steve
 

Last edited by Steina; Mar 13, 2007 at 01:21 PM.
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