tow rating

[arkoza63]

quastion: what is the max tow rating on a panther wagon?

[gabegt90]

5,000 pounds according to my 89 brochure. My car is setup to tow has the towing package. It will tow 5000 pounds but you have to set it up for 5000. for example what type of hitch you have on it. like my car can olny tow 2000 pounds because I have a class 1 hitch witch is only good for up to 2000 pounds.

[gadget73]

mind you the 5000 rating is with the tow package. basically that consists of a 3.55 rear, a heavier duty driveshaft (which isn't of primary concern), a trans cooler, and a power steering cooler. the trans cooler will be the most important part of this. don't expect to tow heavy loads without one unless you like baked transmissions. the stock trans cooler is actually pretty small, any aftermarket one will do a better job. the smallest one i've seen at advance was about double the size of the factory piece.

[arkoza63]

thanks for the info. is that 5000 lbs load carring or equilizing. the reson i'm asking is i'm thinking of selling my suburban and getting a panther wagon, but i'm going to need something to tow with, for a new buissness i'm starting. i'm tierd of a manual trans and bumpy ride. i want more comfort. i love the ride of my wifes 88 cv lx

[85MercPark]

Load carrying.

You will need to upgrade springs or get air shocks if you want to get near 5000 lbs. And the transmission will never hold up towing that much for any length of time. New, maybe, but not after years of use.

I tow 3000 with mine, went 4 hours straight with no problems except anything over 55 killed the gas mileage. at 55 I got 12mpg, at 65 I got 8mpg.

And stay out of overdrive.

[arkoza63]

thats what i was thinking. i plan on towing cars (on an auto dolly) and just needed a to know weight limits. looks like a trailer is out.

[marquisman]

a dolly will do you fine, thats what i use

[gadget73]

I've hauled a towncar with my towncar. towing was ok, stopping, less so. make sure your braking system is in top shape before doing this.

[Lincolnmania]

i drove.....it was no fun stopping......thought i was gonna crash galactica a couple times

[arkoza63]

i work for a rental co. i have had my fair share of close calls and 1 mishap. the key thing to remember is slow down, leave lots of room, and stay alert fores. big brake up grade will happen if i go this way. i'm also thinking about a van.(ford)

[sxcpotatoes]

Don't forget to read The Great American Anti-Towing Conspiracy at TTAC (the truth about cars):

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/edi...ng-conspiracy/

[Blaze86Vic]

Well I'll be towing 4000lbs in one week! I got my car trailer and the Vic is all wired up. I'll report back how it does on the trip. I also did get load levelers as well so I will be using those on the trip, hopefully this prevents me from having to change the rear springs. However keep in mind I do have the upgrade rear drums, 98-02 front brakes, extreme springs that were intended for the track, and a 5 speed manual with a 5.0L HO.

[85MercPark]

That manual tranny is your only real weak link, but you should be fine. You, I am sure, have used only High performance parts in your build.

Stock stuff just won't last..

[Blaze86Vic]

That manual tranny is your only real weak link, but you should be fine. You, I am sure, have used only High performance parts in your build.

Stock stuff just won't last..

That T5 trans was free! With an unsure 100-150K miles on it. LOL! Manual transmissions are pretty reliable. I doubt that I'll be overdoing the torque load. As long as I shift it smooth a treat it nice it should hold up fine.

[85MercPark]

Did you use a good clutch?

The main stress is the clutch slippage.

But you also have the jerking that goes on with a trailer, can cause the transmission gears to wear and break. The solid connnect of the clutch transfers all the jerking right through the gears.