[hunter1]

Originally Posted by Putershark

I pulled our old 210 with my 01 Tacoma, but it had the towing package... So can you upgrade one to better handle the weight? Yes and No... And it may not even need it if it was built to handle those wieghts. Some things to consider though..........

You need to ensure that you can keep both the Engine and Trans oil cool... So I would inspect the condition of trans cooler and or "add" the missing trans oil cooler if it does not have one. I would also consider having all the fluids flushed out which is a recommended item (except the power steering) every 2 years or 30k on most cars and trucks as it is. And of course some Mobil 1 or some other quality full synthetic oil will go a long ways in keeping the engine cooler and "glued" together.

Brakes are very important also (so they need the fluid flushed also) and yes you can upgrade brake performance some by using the correct pads (though they may squeak more) and ensure that your rear brakes (if drums) are adjusted and working as designed. This for many times they are not adjusted correct, and as such the fronts are doing most of the work. And many wonder why their front brake pads wear out so fast?

The 3.5 liter six is going to be working to move all that weight and thankfully I was pulling mine in Florida where it is flat. Running cheap / low octane fuel along with a semi plugged or plugged air filter is going to put undo strain on the engine and as such, the cylinder head temps are going to soar and the engine will knock and ping... Thus I recommend

• Run a quality higher octane fuel. This for burning a even larger amount of a lower grade of fuel is of no savings...
• Install a K&N air filter element so the engine does not have to work so hard to take in air.
• Clean and keep clean, the engine compartment. This helps it run much cooler and pay attention to keeping the fins on the radiator cleaner than normal so it can transfer the needed heat from the coolant flowing through it.
• Be very mindful of your tire pressures both on the truck and trailer.
• Brake pads are cheaper and easier to change than a transmission, so remember such when using the trans as a braking device. Flip side of the coin, coasting always help to save on fuel

Hope this helps?

Dave

Thanks. sounds good. hunter1