Towing Capability

[85MercPark]

For lack of a better place to post this:

Any one know the tow specs of an 85 Mercury Colony Park?
What would you recomend for upgrades?
I am looking to tow about 3000 pounds. 200 tongue weight.
Are there any boxes with heavier springs than the wagon has?

[gadget73]

I towed an 86 Towncar with my Towncar. We figured about 4700 lbs all told with the dolly and the car. It did OK except for a hill or so on the last part of the trip. Going uphill at 35 mph with the pedal down isn;t so fun. 3000 lbs shouldn't be much of a problem. My Towncar is rated to tow 3500 lbs according to the manual, and I'm guessing your wagon should be rated similar.

Cargo coils for a wagon are going to be the stiffest you can get most likely. Since your springs are almost new, I'd probably just install a set of air shocks to level the car. Adding a transmission cooler is an excellent idea and will keep that AOD happy. An engine temp guage is also a must.

[Grand Marquis GT]

I agree.

A shift improver kit prob wouldnt hurt either...

[85MercPark]

I agree.

A shift improver kit prob wouldnt hurt either...

Do they sell one for the AOD?

[gadget73]

yeah, a mild shift kit would be a good idea. It reduces the time spent between gears, so the clutches are partially engaged for a shorter period of time, thus reducing wear and heat. Also on the list of stuff I wish to do with my car.

[85MercPark]

I towed an 86 Towncar with my Towncar. .

Thanks
very good advice.
I found in my Brochure that the CP can tow 5000 with 3.55 gears and coolers. So I should be able to 2500 with 3.08 and coolers.

[Grand Marquis GT]

I got a trans-go kit sitting in my backseat

[85MercPark]

I got a trans-go kit sitting in my backseat

Can't imagine it would do much good there!!

[Grand Marquis GT]

Oh come on. You mean you cant feel the power over there?

[gadget73]

I'd probably think about swapping in a 3.55 anyway if you're up for it, but you should be OK. Just take it easy and stay out of overdrive on a stock transmission. The OD band is a weak point and it will burn up if you abuse it too much.

[85MercPark]

Oh come on. You mean you cant feel the power over there?

Oh, there, I feel it now. Oh wait that was the Mexican I had for lunch.

:banana:

[85MercPark]

Just take it easy and stay out of overdrive on a stock transmission. The OD band is a weak point and it will burn up if you abuse it too much.

I only ever use OD on the highway over 50 anyways and towing I would never use it at all. I don't like the way it feels when it trys to downshift from OD when at low speeds.

[Grand Marquis GT]

lol...

[gadget73]

[DuceAnAHalf]

I got a trans-go kit sitting in my backseat

It is not doing you a whole lot of godd there now is it?