2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech General discussion of 2.9L and 3.0L V6 Ford Ranger engines.

Need more power for towing

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-25-2007
madman4049's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Surprise AZ
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Need more power for towing

OK Guys here we go.

I have a 2005 edge in a 3.0. Here's my dilemma I need more towing power My popup is a 74 starcraft and is heavy for it's size. What I need to know is what products will give the best bang for my buck for my needs. And I ain't got a lotta bucks (MARRIED):). I don't care about sound or cool factor, I just want it to stop struggling up the mountains. Anyway I have read about the roller rockers and pulleys how much does this actually help? and how much of a PITA is it? Any other ideas?

Thanks.


By the way I didn't by a 4.0 or fullsize because the WIFE NEEDED <-----(WANTED) a new truck too so no jokes
 
  #2  
Old 08-25-2007
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Nathan, the standard stuff should help you out. Exhaust, intake, tuner with a torque tune maybe some under drive pulleys, but I stayed away from them myself because I tow allot and worry about the effectiveness of my water pump spinning at slower speeds with a heavy load. Also, a gear might help, depending on what you have now and if you have over sized tires. FYI, make sure you don't tow in overdrive...
 
  #3  
Old 08-25-2007
Takeda's Avatar
Level I Supporter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 3 Posts
If you are having trouble pulling your trailer, you will probably have trouble stopping it also! Be safe, get a vehicle that has the power, brakes, and weight to pull your trailer!!
 
  #4  
Old 08-25-2007
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Bob, a ranger can pull a pop up, they aren't that heavy, but it looks like he is in the mountains. I could understand why a little more pep might be needed...lol. I pull 5500 pounds with my 4.0, I wouldn't think a 2500 pound pop up would be too much for the 3.0 if he added a few performance items...
 
  #5  
Old 08-25-2007
Takeda's Avatar
Level I Supporter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 3 Posts
  #6  
Old 08-25-2007
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
^^^ Yeah, I can see why his truck may have failed. However, wind resistance is a big factor in towing too. A pop up will not create any (or very little) drag because it doesn't sit higher than the truck itself. Aside from that, the pop up weighs allot less than that uhaul trailer did. If he were to get a tune, I would definitely say he would need the torque towing tune. I personally don't like the tuner, so my truck doesn't have one, but allot of people seem to have success with them. I know exhaust, a cold air intake, and synthetic fluids helped with my towing needs allot....
 
  #7  
Old 08-25-2007
Takeda's Avatar
Level I Supporter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by greygooseranger
^^^ Yeah, I can see why his truck may have failed. However, wind resistance is a big factor in towing too. A pop up will not create any (or very little) drag because it doesn't sit higher than the truck itself. Aside from that, the pop up weighs allot less than that uhaul trailer did. If he were to get a tune, I would definitely say he would need the torque towing tune. I personally don't like the tuner, so my truck doesn't have one, but allot of people seem to have success with them. I know exhaust, a cold air intake, and synthetic fluids helped with my towing needs allot....
He has a 3.0L, you have a 4.0L.....big difference!! Not to get into the "performance mod" debate again, but he will not see a difference with the exhaust and intake mods!!!
 
  #8  
Old 08-25-2007
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
^^^ We wont get into it, but I know it made a difference for me...

I know he has the 3.0 but I am towing more than double what he is and I don't have double the power. Plus my boat has a ton of wind resistance compared to his pop up. Its just my opinion, but a 3.0 can handle a pop up...
 
  #9  
Old 08-25-2007
LowMaz's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sterling/ Amherst, MA
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i heard the roller rockers were well worth it. and yes get the intake, exhaust, and tuner. gibsons exhaust is proven to help with torque and it isnt much louder than stock
 
  #10  
Old 08-25-2007
madman4049's Avatar
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Surprise AZ
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks so much for the help guys. It's not that I can't pull it cause I definetly can. Three months ago I pulled it from Kentucky to Arizona no problem just had to floor it on the worst grades. I just wanted a little more power so I don't have to floor it like that. I will definetly look into these suggestions and see what order is best.
 
  #11  
Old 08-25-2007
5speedin2.3's Avatar
Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Livonia, Mi
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
the best mod for more power is to drop in a 5.0 or do the 99cent mod and look for an f150.
 
  #12  
Old 08-26-2007
jrpro130's Avatar
RF Veteran
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,057
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
By far the torque tune has helped me the most.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
peteranger
General Technical & Electrical
4
03-04-2012 09:12 PM
Daily Driver
2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech
31
11-11-2008 03:39 PM
Ranger_Johnny
4.0L OHV & SOHC V6 Tech
30
07-19-2007 07:43 PM
Drayke
Drivetrain Tech
17
07-17-2006 07:32 AM
emericax21
2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech
5
06-30-2006 02:34 PM



Quick Reply: Need more power for towing



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:04 PM.