Towing ability

[ghotiKING]

I have a 1998 XLT 2wd v6 4.0L SOHC.

we're moving cross-country, are planning to load up our goods on a 6x10 utility trailer and go. anybody have experience or trouble towing w/ the 4.0?

it's a new vehicle to me. moving from San Diego CA to Dallas TX, so the mountains (5000 ft up and down in 100 miles) east of SD are a bit of a concern to me... any advice is appreciated!

 

[JDraper]

The truck should handle it well. I'd suggest putting a class III hitch on the truck and an aftermarket transmission cooler. The Explorer transmissions are known to be a little on the weak side, and excessive heat can cause premature tranny failure.

 

[ghotiKING]

cool thanks for the input. tranny heat a problem towing in general, or shifting up the mountains? once up & over, it's pretty straight & flat all the way.

sidebar: at what mileage have people been generally replacing/overhauling transmissions?

 

[JDraper]

It's a problem in general. ALL Explorers with automatic transmissions will benefit from a better cooler, and anyone towing should install one because the extra weight puts more strain on the transmission.