Towing with a 2000 Windstar?

[dansndais]

I just purchased a 2000 Windstar SEL. Beautiful van with all the extras except a towing package. The manual says it can tow up to 3500 lbs. I am considering putting in a transmission cooler. Problem is I am getting feedback from my mechanic who says this vehicle is not made for towing. I would be towing 2500 lbs, boat and trailer.
Please give me your opinions.
Thanks

[lewisnc100]

I also own a 2000 Windstar SEL and I thought the SELs all came with the tow package. I think this just involves a combination power steering & tranny cooler that is separate from the radiator. Look in front and below your radiator and if there is a small cooler there with two lines on each end that should be it, mine has it.

As far as towing that really sounds like a lot of weight for these problem trannys. These trannys aren't known for their longevity even with normal use and maintenance, let alone towing a large amount of weight. If you do go forward with using it make sure you turn your overdrive off and take it easy on speed. Not a bad idea to install a second inline tranny cooler as well.

[Mikebox]

I have a 2000 SE 3.8. I installed a class III hitch and wire harness. It had an appropriate cooler but I only tow a jet ski and trailer (probably less than 1000lbs total. I, too would be weary of towing heavy items with the reputations of these transmissions.

[ModMech]

The BIG enemy is heat. Wether or not you have a trailer towin package, get the BIGGEST A/T cooler you can get, and have it mounted in front of the radiator.

Also, it is critical that the ATF be changed about 3x as often if you tow much, and more often yet if you are driving in heavy traffic while towing. This means the ATF should be changed yearly or at about 15,000 miles. Now, there is NO need to replace the filter this often (really at all). You can just pump out the trans, add 4 qts, pump out again, reconnect the cooler hose, and fill.

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by ModMech

Wether or not you have a trailer towin package, get the BIGGEST A/T cooler you can get, and have it mounted in front of the radiator.

The 2000 SEL trailer towing package is merely an A/T cooler, and it is mounted in front of the radiator. If you install another A/T cooler you'll need to find another location for it.

[dansndais]

Thanks for all your input. I will put in the heavy duty AT cooler. My actual time towing is very limited. About a dozen tow a year with only a couple over 100 miles.