4.2L Towing

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Dec 22, 2008 | 12:36 PM

plaman

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4.2L Towing

I'm going to be doing some lawn service this summer and have a 4.2L with the 3.08(I think) open differential I believe. Probably towing an enclosed 6x10 with 1000-1500 lbs of equipment in addition to the trailer's weight. I was looking a few mods to make my truck ready and was wondering if I will need gears, 4.10s or 3.73s for more grunt? I was wondering with the open differential if I'd be better off picking up an 8.8 off an explorer seeing as they already often have 4.10s and the LSD installed and swapping that in? Are the mounts or brake rotors any different?

Sure, while I have you all here-shocks. Same truck, towing the trailer. Which shocks do I buy? I don't plan on ever adjusting them, PITA unless it really makes a difference but I'm looking for a solid unit without any BS features I won't benefit from. Thanks for the advice guys!

Dec 22, 2008 | 01:28 PM

BLK94F150

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From: None of your business

I don't think the Explorer axle will work because of different vehicle widths.

The single most effective mod would be gears. I'd go with 4.10s if you have stock tires. Obviously a 4x4 will cost twice as much as a 4x2.

Or depending on how long you want to keep this truck, just lock out OD and drive it. It will pull it, but don't expect to win any races.

Mike

Dec 22, 2008 | 01:48 PM

plaman

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Lock out OD as in turn off?
Is that with stock gears or 4.10s?
Would a LSD benefit me at all in the towing process?
Any suggestions for shocks?

Dec 22, 2008 | 02:40 PM

BLK94F150

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From: None of your business

Yeah, turn OD off. You can use that with or without the 4.10s. Most lawn care stuff is in town, less than 45MPH anyway. (I do lawn care on the side) I was suggesting that if you aren't going to keep this truck a long time, forget the gears ($$$$) and just turn off OD. 1-3 should provide plenty of grunt.

An LSD would only help if you drive when it's slick like snow, ice, or mud. I wouldn't do it just for towing.

As for shocks, I need some new ones as well so I'll wait for others to chime in. I've heard Monroe Sensatrac and Ranchos are good.

Mike

Dec 22, 2008 | 06:58 PM

plaman

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Thanks for the tip

Dec 22, 2008 | 07:03 PM

Muddedprairie

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From: New Jersey

I have 2-brand new shocks brand Ac delco i bought them for my 03 FX4 that i had prior to my new truck.. Never mounted i will sell them for 50.00 shipped to your door. I have the Ranchos on my 06 FX4 and i do not like them. If the 03 shocks would of fit i would of put them on. There heavy duty rear shocks. Let me know. I accept pay pal.

Mark