First time poster here. May I chime in here on this old thread? I am the original owner of a 2001 Expedition 4.6 2wd 3:31 rear axle with factory aux trans cooler. Our Expo is 19 years old and over 1/4 million miles. It is a valued family hauler and looks, runs and drives like new, uses a little oil because of valve guide seals but no other issues. Way back in 2000, we traded our Chevy Astro van in on this Expo. Our towing needs were modest, a 3500lb boat. Surely a V8 Expedition could tow better than a V6 Minivan right? WRONG. Our Expedition was a complete dog compared to the Chevy Astro, constantly downshifting and engine screaming to make torque. Bottom line, it was a stress filled experience towing with a 4.6 Expo in Georgia. In the intervening years, I have had the opportunity to own a 2003 f150 5.4 3:55, a 2008 f150 3:55 and a 1999 Chevy Suburban. These 3 vehicles towed my load effortlessly compared with my 2001 Expo 4.6. So my message is, the 4.6 2wd Expedition is a marvelous well made machine that is durable but is a weak towing machine. Good luck!