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Tow capacity for a 2.3??


corona

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I want to get a cargo trailer to do a long distance move from coast to coast but am wondering if my 2.3 can handle it. What have you guys towed with your 2.3? Does it have the power to make it up the hills?
 


TheTopher

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It depends on your rear axle. According to the owners manual for my 95 the recommended limit for the 4.10 axle is 2000lbs. The 3.73 axle is 1600lbs and for the 3.45 axle "towing is not recommended"
 
alyssasdaddy

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I pulled a trailer with a 2000 ford focus on it with my 2.3, not sure of the G/R but it did not like climbing the hill that i had to go over. Average speed of 45mph
 
adsm08

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Well, I've seen a 4.10 gear 2.3 pull a Caddie on a dolly, so at least the weight of a caddie CTS.
 

Hopman

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adsm08 said:
Well, I've seen a 4.10 gear 2.3 pull a Caddie on a dolly, so at least the weight of a caddie CTS.
Click to expand...
Which is about 4,000 lbs. (4,500 with a dead mafia boss in the trunk!)
 
LearjetMinako

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1,500 ~ 2,500 lbs is about the max you want to tow with a 2.3L. An automatic might be better, but expect a lot of down shifting. A manual transmission will be better suited for long distance and will run cooler. But getting a rolling start will be one problem, along with downshifts on hills.

I found that when hualing or towing @ 65mph, before you lose too much speed, down shift to 4th gear and hold 60mph when climbing gades. If you don't make the shift, loss of power will incure and a downshift to 3rd will be needed.

In the best set-up for a 2.3L, a 4.10 axle with stock size tires. Tranny of your choice (automatic if you are lazy, manual for better gear hold).
 
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