I need to tow about 100 miles a week. (part time landscaping) the total weight of trailer is about 1700 pounds including the trailer. I do this now with a 4cyl ranger with a 5 speed and it handles it fine. I am in need of a 4x4 for snow removal and would like to switch to an auto tranny. Do you think and auto tranny could hold up to this abuse without blowing the tranny, or should I stay with a 5 speed?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

The auto tranny has a higher load capacity than the manual

 

It will do it with ease... thats light compared to what some of these crazy people do ....

 

You will be fine. Ive seen some folks push these trucks to the max (and over)

 

Wirelessly posted (Droid2)

Should pull it no problem. Had alot more than that behind my truck. Trac bars will help too.

 

The 4.0 with 5r55e auto has a torque converter built into. If you have 4.10 gear ratio on a 4x4 super cab your towing capacity is 2,540 lbs on a non-fx4 truck.

 

Sorry, I poorly phrased it. My question wasn't whether or not it will tow it. I know it will definitely tow it because my 4cyl does it. My question was whether the tranny would be able to last and take the abuse and not blow up.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Yup you should be alright. Just dont go crazy wide open with it.

Also a thing to consider: Check out different gear oils for your tranny and rear differential. Some gear oils are made to handle a heavier load than others. What you have in your tranny should be fine, but it never hurts to have extra protection.

 

Ok, would you reccomend a tranny cooler?

 

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^^^ come factory on most models.

 

+1

 

It should be fine.

 

tranny will be fine. i do it all the time

 

If you want to be really safe about it you could hook up a trans temp gauge.

 

could always get a deeper tranny pan

http://www.yourcovers.com/transpan_9614-2.php

sure it'll be fine but if you're wanting a little extra piece of mind for a couple hundred..
plus they look pretty fresh.

 

It'll be fine. Just change that tranny fluid often if your going to be plowing. Nothing destroys transmissions quicker.

 

After looking at The poor milage of the 4.0 online I was wondering if it is true. Does anyone know the real world milage of the 4.0 with an auto on country roads about 45 mph? Also how do you think the 3.0 with an auto would fare towing this load?

Thanks

 

dont get the 3.0...complete dogs especially in 4x4 form and they get the same if not worse MPG than the 4.0...and yes the gas mileage is true

 

I don't think the mileage is poor. Mine gets 20-22 highway driving.

My 77 gets 7 MPG's. I never calculated my Ranger's MPG's while towing though

 

Whats the milage you are getting with the4.0?

 

i get about 19 on the highway and around 14-16 city

 

same here. and a little less towing, of course.

 

12-13 towing my 10 foot box trailer. 15 in the city. on the highway back and forth from school 18.5 about. but i have my cruise set at 75... its pretty much a have to kind of thing with the highways im one. but if i was to set it about 65 ive easily hit 20.. but i never see that much anymore.

 

These trucks were never meant to plow. I dont think the frame can handle it. Maybe light snows but more than a couple of inches I wouldnt do it.

 

I've seen a lot of Rangers plowing driveways and small lots.

Not really in anything heavy though