06 4.0V6 towing upgrade

[RJ]

Hi All,

I've got an 06 X with the 4.0L and no towing package . I believe this puts my capacity to 3500 lbs.

I'm now looking at boats that'll probably exceed this once all the fluids and gear are packed on. So, my question is could I make the truck legally tow more by adding on towing goodies?

The ClassIII hitch is probably the first thing, which is easy to do. The biggest problem are the gears. I've searched all over this site and not a single thread about changing the 3.55 to a 3.73 on a 4th gen. Is this even possible? How much will it cost?

Lastly, even if I perform all the mods, will my insurance company consider it a "tow package" and cover any tow accidents up to 5500 lbs?

Thanks!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I wasn't aware that insurance companies limited claims based on capacity. My insurance company would have a stroke if they saw mine.

Really, 3.55 to 3.73 isn't a really big jump, before I geared it, I'd tow and see how it does.

I'd add a hitch, and trans cooler for sure, then see how it goes.

Regearing could be done I'm sure, its just a matter of having the right gear sets and the money to have them set up.

 

[RJ]

Well, if I understand correctly, the 4th gens all have the same trans cooler regardless. A Class III bumper hitch is probably easy to find at the junk yard too.

I was concerned about the legal problems because I know they could potentially deny your claim because of "overloading". The guys on the truck forums towing their 5th wheels are really sensitive about stuff like that.

 

[mawrazen]

2nd Tranny cooler is a must. I even installed a 2nd fan in front of the tranny cooler because my tranny overheated.

 

[RJ]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty sure I read 4th gens have the same cooler setup regardless of towing package, but I'll put an auxilliary one on there just in case.

I'll call up my insurance company and see what they say. I'm a lot more concerned with legal problems than mechanical, since the boat I want is 3300 lbs dry and I'd only go a little over weight wet.