What do I need to do to get my 2004 van up to the 3500 lbs. tow rating? I know I need to add a hitch (done), trailer wiring (soon to be done), extra cooling, and a transmission cooler. Is there anything else (like upgraded springs)?

 

what is the tow rating (poundage) at now? just curious.

 

I would have U-Haul install a transmission cooler (and hitch with wiring, if needed). We installed a transmission cooler on our '98 Windstar right after we bought it. We tow a small pop-up camper and have had no transmission problems. The Freestar has more torque than the Windstar so you should have no problems towing.

 

If you have the smaller V-6 you only have a 2000lb tow rating. If you have the 4.2 V-6 tranny cooler, and "Ambient tempature package" you can tow the max of 3500. The temp package looks to be an oil cooling line the is cooled at the coolant return to the radiator by the termostat. I have also installed Airlifts 1000 suspension bags in the springs. They work great, but the instruction say to mount the fill valve down, do not do it, the line can be feed through the top between the frame and spring mount. I personally would not touch any lengthy distance (300 or miles) anything over 2500lbs. I would also recommend elctric trailer brakes. The van has the power to pull, I tow only in drive never OD and average just under 16 mpgs.
I realy like my 06 freestar, had a 95 windstar junk compared to 06.

 

Get your tranny fluid changedWITH a new tranny filter. Been reading horror stories of infant mortality of the Freestartrannies. I changed the fluid and filter on my 04 Limited at 30,000 miles to put AMSOIL ATF in it. The magnet had about 1/2" of metalic dust stuck to it and a layer of crud in the bottom of the pan. Filter was also pretty dirty. Even though the fluid looked clean and red on the dip stick, there was avery noticablecolor difference between the new fluid and the old when placed side by side in clear containers . Did the same thing with my 00 Taurus that has the same tranny. Taurus tranny is flawless at 72,000 miles. A fluid and filter change is WAY cheaper than a tranny.