Can I optimize my towing capacity? Hear me out..

[Mechrick]

Explorer rear discs might look small

One possible option is the rear brake setup from a 2003-ish Sport Trac which uses a conventional straight axle. These use an 11.81" diameter rotor. I don't know if the parts will swap on an older Explorer axle. I swapped the entire axle into my BII and found the discrepancy when ordering brake parts.

 

[sgtsandman]

Pretty sure my rear Explorer discs are solid.

I'm a bit surprised by that. One would think that they would be ventilated on the full sized model.

 

[Blmpkn]

Pretty sure it was Ron who was always explaining the main reason why the manuals are rated so much lower than autos... Something to do with the planetary gears in the auto.. much MUCH more engagement in a planetary gearset than what's in a manual..

I miss ron.

 

[don4331]

I'm a bit surprised by that. One would think that they would be ventilated on the full sized model.

The Explorer Sport is very a$$ heavy. If any RBV has the weight to use larger brakes on the rear axle, its the Explorer Sport. I've had to replace the rear springs with the heavy ones, and it's still dragging.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The Explorer Sport is very a$$ heavy. If any RBV has the weight to use larger brakes on the rear axle, its the Explorer Sport. I've had to replace the rear springs with the heavy ones, and it's still dragging.

I don't see how they would be any heavier in the rear than a 4dr though?

I have 4dr ones in my Ranger and it sits level with a 800lb camper in the back lol

 

[gw33gp]

I believe the MD50 is a pretty stout transmission for anything a Ranger can do. I have towed my race car all over the country with one at a towed weight of around 4,000 lbs and another 800 lbs on the bed. The main weak point in the MD50 is 5th rear. I understand it is not very well lubricated and towing in 5th is hard on it. That is the only problem I have had with that transmission with over 300K miles on it.

As to the brakes, my 2002 has the smaller rotors and I am pretty sure the 2003 model year had larger rotors. I considered going to the larger brakes, but too much was involved. I went to higher performance pads and shoes to improve stopping power. I now run Akebono ceramic pads and the original Raybestos Super Stop shoes that I installed 250K miles ago. The factory brakes were scary even without towing. With the upgraded pad and shoes along with electric trailer brakes, I normally tow around 72 mph and do not feel the need for better brakes.

I have helper air bags to keep the rear from dropping. It very much stabilizes the tow. Not as well as a weight distribution hitch but still very good.

I had 4.10 gears when I was running 31" tires and went to 4.56 gears with 33" tires. The 4.0 SOHC engine has good torque and does not need to run at high rpm to have good power. I just ease out from a stop without revving the engine. I do slip the clutch a little from a stop but not for very long. I have never burned out a clutch. Starting on an incline is more of an issue when towing. If it is too steep, I will drop it into low range until I get to a more manageable incline.

Finding a new MD50 is not going to happen. Even finding a good, remanufactured one is hard to do. If you can find someone that knows what they are doing with these transmissions, a rebuild is good way to go. Most of the parts are now aftermarket and not as good as OEM.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I believe the MD50 is a pretty stout transmission for anything a Ranger can do. I have towed my race car all over the country with one at a towed weight of around 4,000 lbs and another 800 lbs on the bed. The main weak point in the MD50 is 5th rear. I understand it is not very well lubricated and towing in 5th is hard on it. That is the only problem I have had with that transmission with over 300K miles on it.

As to the brakes, my 2002 has the smaller rotors and I am pretty sure the 2003 model year had larger rotors. I considered going to the larger brakes, but too much was involved. I went to higher performance pads and shoes to improve stopping power. I now run Akebono ceramic pads and the original Raybestos Super Stop shoes that I installed 250K miles ago. The factory brakes were scary even without towing. With the upgraded pad and shoes along with electric trailer brakes, I normally tow around 72 mph and do not feel the need for better brakes.

I have helper air bags to keep the rear from dropping. It very much stabilizes the tow. Not as well as a weight distribution hitch but still very good.

I had 4.10 gears when I was running 31" tires and went to 4.56 gears with 33" tires. The 4.0 SOHC engine has good torque and does not need to run at high rpm to have good power. I just ease out from a stop without revving the engine. I do slip the clutch a little from a stop but not for very long. I have never burned out a clutch. Starting on an incline is more of an issue when towing. If it is too steep, I will drop it into low range until I get to a more manageable incline.

Finding a new MD50 is not going to happen. Even finding a good, remanufactured one is hard to do. If you can find someone that knows what they are doing with these transmissions, a rebuild is good way to go. Most of the parts are now aftermarket and not as good as OEM.

If you are mechanically inclined they are pretty simple and rather fun to rebuild on your own as well.

 

[bobbywalter]

disk brakes are a thing specifically because they take heat much better.