Ford Explorer

[Tom Brown]

Does anyone know what comes with the factory towing package on the Ford Explorer?
Is it just a trans cooler and a hitch?
I'm looking at an Explorer that's a few years old and doesn't have the towing package. It's wired for trailer lights but no hitch.

[Big Kahunaa]

tow package includes hitch trans cooler better gears and posi

[Tom Brown]

Thanks, BK.
On another site, I was told it included the hitch, trans cooler, power steering fluid cooler, larger radiator, and 7 pole trailer wiring (instead of the 4 pole wiring).
The truck is a 2000 Explorer Limited. The boat I wish to tow weighs around 1500 lbs fully rigged, with trailer. It tows like a 10 year old on a skateboard so I don't anticipate any problems.
I'm thinking about looking for a factory trans cooler and hard lines, instead of hacking something after market into place with hose splices. It probably won't make any difference but I'd like to keep it neat.
Any advice on which trans cooler to get?

[Big Kahunaa]

v6 or v8 the trans cooler you go with fatory or aftermarket the factory ones have hoses on them any ways

[Tom Brown]

v6.
I didn't realize the factory cooler had hose splices.
In this case, I might as well go for an aftermarket cooler.
Thank you. I appreciate the help. :)

[Big Kahunaa]

the v6 would have only had a 4 flat conector for the lights my 93 exploder towed my 19' jet with noproblem
glad i could help

[DelawareDave]

My 02 (4.0 V6) Explorer has a pathetic little hitch and a flat 4 connector.

[Tom Brown]

Dave, did your 02 come with the tow package?
Do you tow with it?
The Explorers are known for transmission problems but, from what I can tell, the problems can be fixed with the recommended Mercon V (Synthetic) fluid and a cooler. Mine has the 5R55E which I believe the 02 models used, as well.
As I understand, transmission shops regularly
I'm curious to hear your experience with the truck.

[victorfb]

i believe the explorers also come with an 8.8 rear end. in the f150s they had alot of them fail. bad spider gears in the dif. the 8.8 is a good rear end in general, and if luck has it and you get one with the bad gears, its an easy, not too costly fix. just sucks to have one let go have way to the river.

[DelawareDave]

Sorry for taking so long to reply. The trans in the 02 is different than 00. 02 was the first year for what's in it, but I can't remember the model number. And it is definitely problematic. I had mine worked on. Shift solenoid pack went bad.
I have not towed anything with it, and probably won't. I have an F250 for that.
I think you should be able to tow 1500 lbs with yours. I towed 6K with my 90 Ford Ranger 4x4 with a 4.0 V6, but it did have an OEM tow package on it. It was pretty much the same as an Explorer. A friend of mine had a 92 Explorer 4.0 V6 that he towed his 18' jet boat with, till the trans went out, oops.