Towing - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Fordracer11 · 04-23-2009, 06:16

I have a 98 Ranger sport, extended cab 4x4, 5 speed, 16 inch tires, 4.10 gears, 4.0 engine. I do not have the owners manual so I don't have the towing specs. Does anyone have them, would appreciate it. I am looking at a tent camper, liv ein WV so will be towing hills. Need to know if it will handle it before I buy.

**jwko** · 04-23-2009, 08:18

Download owners manual here https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp

**360ci** · 04-29-2009, 16:30

With the 4.10's, 5 speed and 4x4 geared tires, you'll be running 2500rpm @ 60mph. However, the automatic can tow more than the manual, by roughly 2000lbs, which is significant for a compact truck. If the trailer is around 2000lbs, the truck will perform fine once you load in passengers and some cargo.

Milehog · 05-16-2009, 15:36

360ci is right about the towing capacity of the stick vs. the auto.
One reason for the difference is drivers that won't downshift the manual tranny when applying more throttle. Lots of manual tranny Jeeps that had taller tires and stock differential gearing went through transmissions. The guys that downshifted at the drop of a hat and-or installed lower gears didn't have tranny troubles.
When towing my boat with the Ranger I lock out OD unless going downhill.

**360ci** · 05-16-2009, 16:52

I'm not sure if the Ranger axles could handle a lower gear. 4.56 would probably be the max, providing it's available. That would help you out some when towing, but don't exceed the GCWR or you'll be nuked if you get into an accident - even if you didn't cause it. As soon as they find out you overloaded your vehicle, the accident would be your fault, as you shouldn't have even been there. Still, a gear conversion on a 4x4 will run $750ish an axle, which ain't cheap.

I found the link for towing capacity. It applies to the new Ranger, but as the platform and powertrains haven't changed in the last 10+ years, this one is still good to go by. For GVWR and axle weights, check the sticker on the drivers door jamb. https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...assLCFRang.pdf