tow rating

[marquisman]

as far as i am concerned, my old mans 1985 colony park with its intensive chasis mods, its like a half ton pick up with less chasis twist.

[arkoza63]

blaze86 thats impressive. i like your choice in brake controlers, i use one at work, it's the best one i,ve used. i would would be very comfortable driving your set up.

[Junormaneureka]

I'm considering towing a 3,000 lb military trailer with surge brakes approximately 3,000 miles. My wagon is not set up for towing but I do have new load leveling coil shocks all around. A few questions:
1. Should I consider changing out the springs or adding helpers?
2. What is the stock differential ratio for a non towing package wagon?
3. Has anyone ever put a class III hitch on their wagon and what brand would you recommend?

Thanks!

Mike Pop

[85MercPark]

I'm considering towing a 3,000 lb military trailer with surge brakes approximately 3,000 miles. My wagon is not set up for towing but I do have new load leveling coil shocks all around. A few questions:
1. Should I consider changing out the springs or adding helpers?
2. What is the stock differential ratio for a non towing package wagon?
3. Has anyone ever put a class III hitch on their wagon and what brand would you recommend?

Thanks!

Mike Pop

My

That will be no problem with full size ford/mercury. As long as everything is in good condition. How much is the tounge weight? If it's over 200 you will need to boost the springs from stock.

You can use a Class 2 hitch. I tow 3500 with my Class 2 hitch.

There is no set rear end ratio, have to check the code on the door.

[Tiggie]

2. What is the stock differential ratio for a non towing package wagon?

Per 1987 Ford Broshure:
Standard for 1987 was 2.73's, 3.08's were standard in some parts of the country and standard with any optional suspension. 3.55 is included in the Heavy-Duty Towing Package.

Of course that leaves out 3.27's, which my '87 came with. I've seen a lot of 2.73's and 3.27's in standard '87 cars.

[ss_mini14]

Actually, they are the only car on the road still designed like a truck. And for all intensive purposes they have all the same parts. F150s of the same era had 302s, AODs, and 8.8 rear ends.

But it's all good because I can always un-hook the trailer and have some fun!

all the same parts except the lovely twin I beam front axles, i dont think we'd have much fun with those...