Question Towing upgrade for 2003 2.7L Tacoma?

bmconnors · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008, 03:28 PM

Hi all, amazing forum you have here.

I have a 2003 2.7L 4cyl 4wd Tacoma. I have been towing a 22' Grady white (~4000 lbs with all the gear I have etc.) on a trailer w/ hydraulic brakes. The truck is rated for 3500 lbs (I beleive) and the Truck seems to handle the boat fine I am worried that I may be doing some sort of damage to the truck. Do you folks have any advice? is there anything I can do to the truck to increase it's towing capacity? (I plan to replace the rear suspension (to make it a little stiffer))

Your input is much appreciated!!!!

Brendan

Marazzito · #2 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 04:08 AM

Upgrade to the 4.0. Towing over your trucks rating is never a good idea. If you choose to continue towing with your 2.7 add a Good tranny cooler at least.

the.phantom · #3 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

If you choose to continue towing with your 2.7 add a Good tranny cooler at least.

+1

how is tail sag on it?
might think of installing timbrens on it to keep level and prevent a bit of wiggle in the back ?

bmconnors · #4 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008, 11:43 PM

Thanks guys.

Tail sag is not bad at all.

First thing I am going to do is take the whole "kit and kaboodle" to a weight scale and find out exactly how much she weighs (I was "best" guessing at the 4000lbs). If she is above 3500 I think I'll look into a 4.0, if she is 3500 or less I am going to look at beefed up suspension and tranny cooler.

Thanks for your thoughts!

brendan

Marazzito · #5 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmconnors

Thanks guys.

Tail sag is not bad at all.

First thing I am going to do is take the whole "kit and kaboodle" to a weight scale and find out exactly how much she weighs (I was "best" guessing at the 4000lbs). If she is above 3500 I think I'll look into a 4.0, if she is 3500 or less I am going to look at beefed up suspension and tranny cooler.

Thanks for your thoughts!

brendan

That sounds like a good plan to me! When you take it to the scales load up the truck with everything you could imagine you'd ever take with you when you go boating, if your gross combined weight is above your trucks 8,100lbs GCWR you should definitely consider upgrading to a 4.0!