4.0 Liter Gen 3 towing capacity

I am looking at a Gen 3, 2004 Explorer, 4.0 for daily use and an occasional towing job. the vehicle does have a class III factory receptacle and "45" axle.

Does that mean it is a 4:10?

Tag says 5740 GVWR. 235/70/16 tires on 7" rims

What is the towing capacity?

I want to tow a 2500lb race car on an 1800lb steel dual axle open trailer.

I am looking for a V8 but this car is a claen 39000 example.

Expert opinion - Is this enough vehicle?

Don

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Axle code link-

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239360

45 is 3.55's, not nearly enough gears for towing.

In my opinion, it's not enough vehicle for continuous heavy towing, maybe occasional towing would be ok.

A v8 may be better, but the transmissions are the same in the 3rd gen, so more power but not a better trans.