Forum Discussion
Grit_dog
Sep 16, 2019Navigator II
^ Correct, a modified valve body and a lock up switch are required for any more than 3rd and 4th gear lockup.
Seeing you have 3.55 gears as well, stock 03 power and 47re trans ratios are not a very good combo power or gearing wise for heavier towing. When towing, I'd run the smallest tires you can put on it with adequate capacity. Like 245 75 16s, re-gearing is expensive. Power is low, so gears or a tune are the easiest power solutions for moderately more power. If your tans is built a little bit, tow tune will do wonders, for 1/4 the cost of gears.
Synopsis for towing 12k+ high profile like a boss and not getting killed on the uphill runs.
-Tune
-Built trans
-VB and lockup switch
-Little tires
Add an exhaust brake, only if you have a manual lock up switch and only in the gears that it will lock in.
Bottom line, assuming your trans is stout enough to handle a little power and e brake, you have some work to do to get it to tow anything like a newer truck.
Only about $1200 in parts for a cheap tuner and a VB/switch if you do the work yourself, otherwise closer to $2k.
Exh brake, $1200 diy, over $1500 installed.
Tires...however much they cost.
Seeing you have 3.55 gears as well, stock 03 power and 47re trans ratios are not a very good combo power or gearing wise for heavier towing. When towing, I'd run the smallest tires you can put on it with adequate capacity. Like 245 75 16s, re-gearing is expensive. Power is low, so gears or a tune are the easiest power solutions for moderately more power. If your tans is built a little bit, tow tune will do wonders, for 1/4 the cost of gears.
Synopsis for towing 12k+ high profile like a boss and not getting killed on the uphill runs.
-Tune
-Built trans
-VB and lockup switch
-Little tires
Add an exhaust brake, only if you have a manual lock up switch and only in the gears that it will lock in.
Bottom line, assuming your trans is stout enough to handle a little power and e brake, you have some work to do to get it to tow anything like a newer truck.
Only about $1200 in parts for a cheap tuner and a VB/switch if you do the work yourself, otherwise closer to $2k.
Exh brake, $1200 diy, over $1500 installed.
Tires...however much they cost.
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