towing capacity 97 5.0 aod ranger?

[Madman2021]

would like to know what my towing capacity would be with a lightly modded 5.0 and an aod transmission. its a 1997 ranger single cab 2wd. and its lowered

 

[originalnitro]

5.0 and aod want increase the towing capacity of your truck. It is a total package (drive line, springs, and brakes) that determines a vehicles towing capacity.

 

[Madman2021]

Well i've towed anything I've wanted before, but i've never had any power. I'd like to tow my 3500 lb ski boat. The 4 cylinder tows it, but can't pull it up the boat launch. Aside from the springs and brakes, could the 302 pull as much as an f150 could? I'm not looking to exceed 5000 lbs ever.

 

[originalnitro]

It will pull like a f-150. Upgrading to a 8.8 with disc brakes out of an explorer will handle and stop that load better than your 7.5

 

[Mac]

Just looking in the '98' manual and the 4x2 w/auto reg cab is rated to pull 6000 lbs with the 3.55 gear.
The 2003 same configuration is rated to pull 6040 lbs. I'd upgrade the rear to the 8.8 and some good 10" brakes, see no problem at all with only 5000 lbs.
Dave

 

[wahlstrom1]

Also remember that static weight (small open trailer with something heavy) is different then dynamic weight (through aerodynamics, like a 3500lb 20' travel trailer). The short wheelbase of your truck may cause you greif when it comes to larger loads, so be careful and be aware of all the factors while your towing.

I've seen several smaller vehicles with higher payload capacity's (re: Diesel Liberty) that are hooked to very over sized loads (not necessarily overweight) for the vehicle size, rolled/flopped/jack-knifed on the side of the hwy when large winds came up, or they had to slam on the brakes for some reason.