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Hermosa · 01-05-2013, 03:52 PM

Guys, I've been looking for info on this all over, and I can't find all the data. A friend is looking at buying and towing a 2000 -2005 Ford Ranger, Auto 4x4. They sell the base plates for those years, but I just can't find info on if it can be towed 4 down. The selector switch on the dash has 2WD, 4High and 4Low. There is no transfer case neuteral setting from what I can tell or find. Has anyone here had any experience with towing one of these Rangers. If a ranger is out of the question, what other small 4x4 truck would be a good 4 down towabel fit?

As aloways, thanks for the help. Happy New Year to all.

Hermosa

trampsrv · 01-05-2013, 03:59 PM

with 4 down i would leave the truck in 2x4 remove the rear drive shaft(not hard just 4 bolts)

pagosajoe · 01-05-2013, 04:04 PM

It may be possible with a drive shaft disconnect kit:

Remco Drive Shaft Disconnect | Application Chart

Hope that helps.

USMCRET · 01-05-2013, 04:07 PM

Since your friend has not bought yet, have him focus on manual transmission versions. I have a 2001 model 4x4. No problem towing 4-down.

Richard S. · 01-05-2013, 04:09 PM

I have a 2004 ford Ranger 2 wheel drive Five speed manual transmission that I tow with no problem.

mikf · 01-05-2013, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trampsrv

with 4 down i would leave the truck in 2x4 remove the rear drive shaft(not hard just 4 bolts)

and then when you get there you can just put it in 4wheel high and you will have front wheel drive. no need to put the driveshaft back in until you get home unless you need 4 wheel drive while on vacation.

Hermosa · 01-05-2013, 05:06 PM

So with a manual 4x4, putting the trans in neuteral will work, but you would still be spinning the transfer case. Any issues with that? Sounds like that might be the best option. Any other options on vehicles (trucks) would be appreciated. Thanks again.

I'm dying to get my RV out of storage and use it, was 8 degrees here today, have a few months to go!

Rockwood27 · 01-05-2013, 08:14 PM

I'm not certain, but you may want to look at a Dodge Dakota 4X4. It may have a similar setup as a Jeep TJ or XJ, which can be towed 4 down.

Fran

Hermosa · 01-06-2013, 05:13 PM

So you could tow a Auto 4x4 Ranger if you had the transfer case neuteral switch that everyone is talking about. I found a place that sells that kit, and it sounds like the dealer needs to reflash or reprogram the trucks computer. Does that sound right?? I need to check out a couple of the Ranger forums to see if there is more info on this tht I can find. If that's the case and it works, I may even be interested in towing a ranger. I liek the idea of having a bed and bed cover to store larger items when towing.

Hermosa · 01-07-2013, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

I'm not certain, but you may want to look at a Dodge Dakota 4X4. It may have a similar setup as a Jeep TJ or XJ, which can be towed 4 down.

Fran

Yes, you are correct, most of the Dodge Dakota's can be pulled 4 down due to the neuteral setting ont he transfer case. Easy to do. Problem is, they get heavy, and are about 1000lbs heavier than the Ranger.

jrd48 · 01-07-2013, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hermosa

So you could tow a Auto 4x4 Ranger if you had the transfer case neuteral switch that everyone is talking about. I found a place that sells that kit, and it sounds like the dealer needs to reflash or reprogram the trucks computer. Does that sound right?? I need to check out a couple of the Ranger forums to see if there is more info on this tht I can find. If that's the case and it works, I may even be interested in towing a ranger. I liek the idea of having a bed and bed cover to store larger items when towing.

There is some additional info in the sticky at the top of this forum > Good News For Ford TOADS.

trampsrv · 01-07-2013, 12:36 PM

Hermosa how far do you plan on towing the ranger.

Hermosa · 01-07-2013, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trampsrv

Hermosa how far do you plan on towing the ranger.

Hi,
This is actually for a friend we RV with, a normal trip for us is 3 to 4 hours each way. If I went with a Ranger, I would be towing 2 weekends a year, 4 hours each way each trip.

DAJO · 01-07-2013, 02:40 PM

We tow a 2007 Ranger 4x4 auto four down. It needed a app $80 dollar kit from Ford installed and comp programed thats all. Check Remco web sight for listings of four down towable of older Rangers.

Dave