2009 mercury grand marquis here. I've never been able to find out why a car once rated for towing 5,000 lbs is now rated at towing a measly 1,500 lbs when I have four wheel disc brakes, air suspension, a transmission cooler and a full frame underneath it. Searches haven't yielded a definitive answer other than some people blaming the "watt's linkage" setup. I'd like to think its the grand SUV/truck sales conspiracy/myth machine at work. Any insight is welcome.
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To try and sell you a pickup truck. Thats really it. These did not get any weaker than they were in the 80s, and are in fact much better suited due to the more powerful engine and better brakes. I've towed 5,000 lbs with stock 80s brakes, and its goddamn scary. In truth, 5,000 with the upgraded brakes is still sort of scary, so perhaps part of the de-rated tow figures is a safety measure.86 Lincoln Town Car (Galactica).
5.0 HO, CompCams XE258,Scorpion 1.72 roller rockers, 3.55 K code rear, tow package, BHPerformance ported E7 heads, Tmoss Explorer intake, 65mm throttle body, Hedman 1 5/8" headers, 2.5" dual exhaust, ASP underdrive pulley
91 Lincoln Mark VII LSC grandpa spec white and cranberry
1984 Lincoln Continental TurboDiesel - rolls coal
Originally posted by phayzer5
I drive a Lincoln. I can't be bothered to shift like the peasants and rabble rousers -
you really need upgraded brakes, load lever shocks or air springs, and good tires. my grandpa's 87 MGM company car had the tow package and some kind of load lifter air shocks in the rear with normal springs. It also had both anti-sway bars. I never saw under the hood, so I can't say if it was 5.0 or 5.8, but it never lagged on the 2 ton float it would tow at Christmas time in the town parade. And with all towing, you have to know your brakes and compensate for the added weight. One thing is for sure... the cars don't like much tongue weight at all. 500 tops unless you have helpers.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -- Albert Einstein
rides: 93 Crown Vic LX (The Red Velvet Cake), 2000 Crown Vic base model (Sandy), 2003 Expedition (the vacation beast)
Originally posted by gadget73
... and it should all work like magic and unicorns and stuff.
Originally posted by dmccaig
Overhead, some poor bastards are flying in airplanes.Comment
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