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Dave R.
Dodge Dakota
5/28/2001
21:41:12
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 Subject: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
I read in an earlier post that you have a 4.7 w/ 3.55 and tow around 5k. I have a 4200# boat that I'm planning on towing and am a little concerned that the 3.55 is cutting it too close. Am I worried over nothing?? Thanks in advance.
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Broeheem
Gen III
5/29/2001
00:44:49
|  RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
The factory claim of 5,000 lbs. is conservative, providing that you have the Heavy-Duty package, however... I would caution you against towing that heavy of a load with too much frequency.
Tow package/HD package or not, it's not great for the longevity of your truck to constantly keep it at it's limit.
One thing you should do is to check the trans fluid more often than if you weren't towing, and keep a steady eye on the engine temperature when you ARE towing... you'll know if you're pushing it too far.
I have the 4.7 and the 3.55:1 with the HD pkg., and although I'm not towing anything, I've taken it up LONG, STEADY (40 mile) hill-climbs at 60-70 MPH, and the temp gauge didn't move... even with the A/C left on.
Patriot Blue 2001 SLT Plus Club Cab
4.7L./multi-spd auto/3.55 LSD
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Mike01
Dodge Dakota
5/29/2001
20:00:09
|  RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
Hey Dave,
You wont have any problems as long as you keep the overdrive off. How far are you towing anyway?? Heres one thing you can do and its really helped my towing. I went to the dealer and complained that the tranny shifts too soon. So i told them to reprogram the shift points into 3rd gear at 500 rpm higher. I also told my dealer im concerned about the tranny getting really hot, he agreed to install a tranny temp gauge if I bought one. If you look at where DC put the tranny cooler, 3/4 of its behind the dam radiator!! Im putting synthetic fluids in the tranny soon. Mike
Eastern NC
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Dave R.
Dodge Dakota
5/29/2001
20:41:04
|  RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
Thanks for the feedback. I tow about 800 miles round trip, twice a year. I used to do it with a Ranger and went thru a transmission in the process. Boy does Ford overinflate their tow ratings. The Ranger was rated at 5950#. This transmission and axle looks much heavier than the Ranger's. I guess I am a bit nervous after putting $2000 into the Ford transmission. The service manager at the Dodge dealer said that the 4800# Dakota tow rating is conservative and thinks I'll have no problems at 4200#.
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Frank Likert
Dodge Dakota
5/30/2001
13:32:09
| RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
I have a '00 QC with the HD Service group (4.7/auto/3.55ls 2wd). I have pulled my Mustang (3000#) a few times to the track with it and it did great. I am going to install the air-lift airbag kit in the rear though so when I am pulling I can keep the truck a little more level. My tow weight is probably between 4000-4500 and I have all of my tools/ racing equipment in the bed also. Last time I also had a cab full of people also. Tranny never gave me any problems, the temp never climbed any more than where it runs unloaded. It has been a great truck so far. I average a little over 13mpg towing with it, about the same as what my father's 95 360 Ram gets towing. I always tow with O/D off also.
Hope this helps,
Frank Likert
'00 QC SLT+ 2wd 4.7/auto/3.55ls
'90 Mustang LX 5.0 NMRA F/S 6031
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Mike01
Dodge Dakota
5/30/2001
20:59:49
| RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
Hey again, Im with frank, i would like to have a least an add a leaf spring to help out just a little. Dave, go tow it!! It'll be just fine!!!! You dont have to put synthetic fluid in or even have the tranny shift points changed. Just make sure you gotta good oil in it and go with that. Im running synthetic in mine with a WIX oil filter and I never have a problem. Let me know if i can be of anymore hlp. mike
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Dave R.
Dodge Dakota
5/31/2001
00:22:52
| RE: attn mike01 or anyone else
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Message:
Thanks for the help guys. Last week of June is vacation time...I'm sure it'll be great.
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