Towing capacity?

[1996ex]

What is the towing capacity of a 2003 Explorer XLT 4WD 4.0 with an open rear differential?

I’m seeing some inconsistent figures likely due to the different configurations.

Thanks!

 

[Mbrooks420]

3,400 pounds.

 

[TechGuru]

Depends on if you upgrade to a 2" hitch and if you have a 3.73 diff

3400 as is.

5400 if you buy a aftermarket hitch. --> More Information for CURT 13550

Assuming you have a 3.73

It's not reccomended to exceed 3400 with a 3.55 even if you have a V8 and a 2" receiver.

 

[1996ex]

Depends on if you upgrade to a 2" hitch and if you have a 3.73 diff

3.73 diff, but that small receiver. I don’t know what size that thing is.

 

[Mbrooks420]

3400 is the limit of the truck, not the hitch. According to the manual for the year there is no difference for rear axle ratio, just limited slip vs open.

 

[TechGuru]

3400 is the limit of the truck, not the hitch. According to the manual for the year there is no difference for rear axle ratio, just limited slip vs open.

No it's the limit of the small hitch.

I've installed a aftermarket 2" hitch and 7 pin harness and brake controller in mine and have done over 5000lbs with it (with trailer brakes).

Trailer brakes are required for trailers exceeding 4500lbs in most states.

 

[1996ex]

No it's the limit of the small hitch.

View attachment 422865

I've installed a aftermarket 2" hitch and 7 pin harness and brake controller in mine and have done over 5000lbs with it (with trailer brakes).

Trailer brakes are required for trailers exceeding 4500lbs in most states.

View attachment 422866

This is a great chart. Thanks for this.

Why would that little third row deduct 500 pounds? That’s odd.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Directly from his owners manual for a 2003.



His limit is 3,400 pounds. The 3rd row sits behind the rear axle so it’s weight effect is multiplied.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Honestly, the autos in these are complete trash. I wouldn’t want to use this as a regular heavy towing vehicle, in any case.

 

[1996ex]

Honestly, the autos in these are complete trash. I wouldn’t want to use this as a regular heavy towing vehicle, in any case.

Might be a topic for another thread I’d like to post, but my transmission was replaced after 6-8 years (don’t remember exactly), and it seems robust. I wonder if the replacements were repaired in some way.

I’m seeing a lot more high miles Explorers 240-250k that had the earlier transmission replaced, although I’ve read of people replacing theirs 2-3 times even.

Anyway, off-topic a bit. Strange thing is third row only deducts that weight on class III limited slip models.

 

[TechGuru]

Directly from his owners manual for a 2003.

View attachment 422870

His limit is 3,400 pounds. The 3rd row sits behind the rear axle so it’s weight effect is multiplied.

OP stated they have a 3.73. What you posted shows 5380lbs for a V6 with a 3.73

Does not matter if it's LS or not. The reason they limited the 3.55 is because towing more than 3400 with a 3.55 will put too much stress on the transmission.

 

[TechGuru]

Honestly, the autos in these are complete trash. I wouldn’t want to use this as a regular heavy towing vehicle, in any case.

Putting 4.10 gears in your diff(s) would help.

 

[TechGuru]

3.73 diff, but that small receiver. I don’t know what size that thing is.

Can you please post your axle code from the door sticker?

3.73 open is rare. It's normally a 3.55 open or a 3.73LS

 

[Mbrooks420]

Fair enough, I missed the 3.73s.

 

[1996ex]

Can you please post your axle code from the door sticker?

3.73 open is rare. It's normally a 3.55 open or a 3.73LS

Yes I’ll post the code in an hour or two, sorry!

 

[1996ex]

My mistake, everyone. My axle code is 45, meaning the 3.55. Sorry about that :/