Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) need safe max towing power help

[robert g]

I have read till I can't see, so here is what I need "I have a race car and a toy hauler" max total weight is 16500. All I care about is safe max towing power, so I need some help. I have a 02 2500 auto 2wd, thanks for all the help. robertg

 

[Sticks]

You mihgt want to try posting in the towing/hauling forum.



As for safe max power, that would be OEM.



Now as far as max power for towing, there is no limit. There are limits such as EGT's, total combined weight of truck and trailer, driver and driving conditions. You can build your truck up to a 800hp/1700tq and if you can keep your EGT's and coolant temps down, you will have yourself a great tow rig.

 

[gitchesum]

Gauges first, even on a stock truck. Mine never got over 1200* pulling a 8K trailer, but it was nice to be able to keep an eye on stuff.



I think an Edge EZ, would give you a nice increase in HP, without having to make any major upgrades to intake or exhaust. But you always want to watch your temps, just in case.

 

[JBlock]

YOur probaly over weight before you start, YOu did say what the rear end ratio is, but my 2001 auto 4x4 3. 54 is even rate at 10,000 towing.



Yes your OK on GCVW it under 16,500 total that with either ratio rear end, the 4. 11 rate for 2,000 pounds more towing,



Good Luck

 

[Mundgyver]

Robert G.



Are your towing with a bumper hitch or receiver or gooseneck or 5th wheel



Your configuration would help. Someone will chime in, but I think that if you are doing a goose neck or 5th wheel that your loading can be a few thousand more than with a receiver because of the placement of the load on the truck.

 

[robert g]

My gears are 3. 55 and the 16500 is total truck and trailer, I tow receiver hitch. I was thinking of doing a edge comp and maybe injectors later, I only tow about 12-16 a year. thanks again robertg

 

[Mundgyver]

16,500 for both truck and trailer are well within your ability of tow. For power you need to start off with gages first, first, first It sounds like you would benifit from a Catcher ECM and a set of 275 injectors for what you want to do. The Catcher will give you more low end grunt off the line and on the hills and the 275 while giving you more power also will alow you to keep your fuel economy at a reasonable level. That would be my suggestion. I would think you can do all of this for under $1200. Good luck on your decision. I have been up to 23,000 for both truck and trailer with a gooseneck. No problems towing for me, but with that said, I kept my power turned down low. Braking is your big concern. Exhaust brakes are a wonderful thing. I still have my original factory clutch and brakes after 132,000+ turns now.

 

[Jetpilot]

How much do you want to spend? You could go all out and have a 600 HP tow truck but that would cost lots of $$.



Doug

 

[robert g]

I have a race car so power=$, I want simply add ons that help but do not blow trans etc easy. I just want a little more towing power.

 

[Mundgyver]

Then you would be fine with a set of 275's and an EZ. Make sure you have gages though.

 

[2ndgen2500]

my mods are listed below, i tow on a regular basis, usually around 8-12k, i have no heat issues and such

 

[Graphic man]

all's you need is a edge ez and EGT trans and boost gages and if that is not enough add the 275 injectors

 

[rluft]

There is a good post somewhere here giving the order for upgrades.



You can see what upgrades I have and I pull GCVW 19000 with the 5th wheel. The EGT's climb rapidly on hills so a pyro gauge is a must.



Install full gauges prior to upgrades so that you are able to see the baselines for you truck. I would then go with a fueling box because it is easy to install. With mine I didn't notice too much seat of the pants but I could certainly tell when hitched to the trailer and running up hill. I then added 275 injectors, to do it over again I would go bigger. Your auto will not like the extra power, so an upgrade will be required. I have 70,000 miles and the transmission began shuddering the last time out with the trailer.



Beware, BOMBing is a disease. All I wanted is a little more power to tow and now I am looking at a 4" exhaust, new turbo and SNOW injection, after a new transmission of course.



Have fun!

 

[RobertMiller1]

Superchips 3705 on tow setting (45hp 75 lb/ft) . $325 (allows for tire size speed adjustment too)

big honking Air Filter (BHAF) from Napa $45 or huge cone filter RE880 K&N $75

Transgo shift improver kit. Good fresh ATF. $98

gauges trans temp, boost, fuel press, EGT www.egauges.com @ $250

85-140 Valvoline semi synth differential fluid. (fresh) 4qts. @$15

4" aluminized turbo back with muffler $299 www.summitracing.com p/n 680001 (nice option)



This will produce about 50+ hp and 100+ tq and will be even cooler on exhaust temps.