2000 XLT Towing ?

[tred311]

I've got a 2000 Expedition XLT 4.6 2x4. It has 103,555 miles on it and I just had a Ford reman 4.6 long block installed last week. The motor seized up due to my oil pump dying! The tranny was replaced 3 years ago. I know it sounds like a bucket but it's not. It's very nice and I've always done all the scheduled maintenance.

I'm having a hard time finding out the towing capacity of this truck. I have a camper that weighs around 4900lbs. I've been towing it once a month for about a year problem free. I live in SC. All short distance, flat land towing. I believe I'm within the max amount towable, but really want to confirm this before pulling with the new motor.

I'm also a bit concerned about the way it's downshifting. It seems to downshift a bit slower than it should, almost waiting until I'm at a complete stop before finishing the dowshifts. Tranny fluid was just changed and it's seem to be a lot better.

Sorry for the long post!

Any opinions, help finding info, would really be appreciated!

Thanks!

-Tony

 

[trdragons44]

Ok just checked my manual and it says 1997 4X2 4.6L, 5900 lbs max trailer weight. i'm guessing this is with a drop hitch.

 

[tred311]

What exactly is a "drop hitch"?

Unless you mean the type that comes out and drops down a few inches for height reasons. Mine lines up fine so I don't need a "drop hitch". I do however use torsion bars to distribute the weight evenly so it doesn't make the ass end of the Expo drop way down.

-T

 

[trdragons44]

by way of drop hitch i meant the 2x2 receiver under the bumper that is mounted to the frame.

 

[tred311]

Ahhh.....sorry man. I gotcha. Yeah, I bought a Corbins heavy duty receiver that bolts directly to the frame with about 5 or 6 bolts on each side.

 

[trdragons44]

Yeah with mine, I have a 1997 5.4 4x4 and with that kind of hitch i can tow 8,000 with the weight distributing and on my dads he can tow 10 flat w/ wdist.

 

[Tom Nugler]

Down load the Trailer Life Tow ratings for your truck. http://www.rvtravel.com/towguide.html (Scroll to the bottom.)
Match up your equiptment level to the chart.
4900 shouldn't be a problem with the right hitch setup.

Tom.

 

[tred311]

Anybody know what's up with my Expo downshifting slow??

-T

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks for that link, Tom.

 

[trdragons44]

do you have a trailer brake controller

 

[tred311]

Yeah, sorry...thanks a lot for that link. BIG help!

Yeah, I've got a brake controller.

-T

 

[trdragons44]

i think with the brake controller it has the trans shift slower to help with braking that would be my guess.

 

[green03]

The PCM (Enging/Trans Computer) has no idea about the brake controller. If anything your factory calibraition is retarded when it comes to downshifting....LOL This can be fixed with custom tuning....

Matt R

 

[chuck s]

2000 Ford Expedition 4x4 4.6 V-8 6000
Requires Trailer Towing Package.
Requires 3.55:1 axle ratio.
Requires weight-distributing hitch.
Requires 16-inch tires.

Lots of "requires."

Buy a transmission temperature gage. It's possible you've overheated by towing without the "required" equipment.

-- Chuck

 

[AvroAero]

What doesn't get fixed with custom tuning green? lol