I've got a 2001 screw 4x4 5.4l xlt 150k im looking at a 24' enclosed trailer to use to move from Kentucky to Texas in july then to South Dakota in 2013. After that I plan to use it for a mobile workshop. I have several questions for guys who tow with this truck.
1.The book said the truck has a 7200lb tow rating how much would this trailer full of house stuff weigh?
2.Is it a bad idea to install an aux trans cooler? I'm worried about the cold weather in SD should I just disconnect it after the tow?
3. I bought the truck with over 140k and thus have no idea if the tranny has ever been serviced I plan to not touch the fluid... will adding the extra fluid for the aux. cooler hurt the tranny?
4. Also i plan on adding a trans temp gauge is this a good idea?
5. Will air helper springs on the rear be a good idea?
6. Any engine mods that would help? intake? exhaust? chip?
7. Reading another post a guy stated that helper springs were bad on a 150 axle shoud i change the rear axle to a 250 or 350?
8. should i put e-load rated tires on the back?
i love the truck and plan to keep it if all possible

 

1 It would depend on whether your house stuff is party baloons or or anviles If you are rated to tow 7200 pounds then you would typicaly have around750 lbs tounge wt if loaded properly. A 2 axle trailer of that size would weigh around 2000lbs that leaves you 5200 to play with.2 A trans cooler is always agood idea when towing you can buy them with a bypass thermostat so it wont over cool. 3 no. 4 matter of personal preferance. 5. no dont need if you dont over load. 6 tune up oil change check belts and hoses. 7 no 8 if your tires are good run them. Just drive easy and dont even attempt the trip without working trailer brakes. sounds like awsome trip. bubbabud 2011 XLT SCAB ECOBOOSY

 

Personally, I would have the tranny flused and new fluid put in it. My 99 was a different truck after that. (in the good way )

As for engine mods, I wouldnt worry about them as well. The only one I would consider is the CAI, and thats because the engine will pick up quicker and put out a few hp's and torque. But wont be needed as this truck can pull some weight the way it is. In this case, gas mileage shouldnt even be considered, being what you will be pulling. Just remember to turn the OD off on the shifter.

 

I didn't know you could get a transcooler with bypass thermostat thats great!

I'm still ont sure about flushing the transmission. I bought a bronco years ago with 125k and imedately did all the servicing that had been neglected for years and in about 6 months the tranny failed. I just don't want that to happen again. Ive heard conflicting advice about transmission fluid some say to change it others say if it has ben there a long time leave it? I don't know what to do

 

I have heard the same storys. It would probably be a good idea to at least drop the pan and ckeck for debris and then you can asses the trans. wear. if its clean it would the time to adjust it and change at least the fluid and filter that drained out when you droppd the pan. if the pan is full of crap [clutch or band lining]its probably best to deal with it before you leave. if your not sure you can always dump the old oil back in and hope. Bubbabud

 

I live in mn and the cold whether doesnt seem to affect my tranny and i have a stock tranny cooler on it