i bought a used 02 [4.6l auto/ 3.08 gear ] last year.

i need to tow a u-haul trailer[ 4,000 lbs.] 200 miles.

the owners manual states that for this drivetrain combo. 2000lbs trailer
is the max.

?? would a two core radiator bring it up to snuff ???
and or an aux. trans. cooler??

 

The limitation is due to the 3.08 rearend. Change it to 3.55 and the towing limit gets raised to 7,200lbs. You should always have an aux transmission cooler if you are going to tow.

 

I think you will be all right if thats all your gonna tow and its a one time deal, although it won't be fun especially if you are going into mountains. Make sure your OD is off and you should be OK. If you are going to be towing a lot, I agree with kingfish51 and upgrade your rearend. Good luck.

 

I used to tow a boat and trailer that weighed about 2000-2500lbs with a 90 F150 with a 3.08 rearend. It wasn't too bad, but I also had the 5.8 v8. That did make a diffeerence.
As stated, if you are going to do a lot of towing, you might want to go with a 3.55 or 3.73 rearend. That is assuming a 4x2. If a 4x4, make that plural.

 

200 miles once won't be much wear. But, I'd just as well consider renting a cargo truck instead of trailer.

 

If you are towing on flat grades for 200 miles.. you will not have a problem. But I would'nt tow anything over 2,500lbs without a Transcooler. One over heat on the trans.. its likely done. That 3.08 rear end is the prob. with towing, but once you get going on flat grades, it will get you there, but if you plan on going thru any mountain areas, you will work it hard. GOT TO HAVE THAT TRANSCOOLER ON 4,000lbs.

 

Just keep the overdrive locked out, you will be fine. I used to own an '88 F150 with a 5.0 and 3.08 rear end. I pulled trailers with it for 90% of it's 200K miles and it did reasonably well. The worst part was buying a new clutch every 20K-30K miles.

200 miles is nothing.