towing after an HT383 swap??

[blizz]

That engine has about 100 more HP and TQ. How much would that affect towing capability? I'd like to get a travel trailer but need to be able to tow another 2-3k lbs. Our trucks max out at about 5900lbs or so. Trucks with similar power plants can tow up to 10k lbs. is that reasonable?

 

[SunlitComet]

about 6800 to 7200 really. it is not the engine in your case as much as it is the suspension gearing and cooling power you have. a bit of tranny beefing would ideal.

 

[blizz]

So a towing pkg wouldn't matter in this case because it wasn't built with those kind of numbers in mind. How about axels from a newer truck? $6-7k beefing it up is better than $35k.

 

[SunlitComet]

I forgot to mention strength of frame as well. I would not exceed the tongue load of existing structure but you can pull a little more from beefing up. I would go with a re-gearing if really needed. cooling add-ons on tranny and engine, tranny temp monitor. firestone helper air bags in the rear will help a lot and as the need arises fix other issues as they break. hopefully that will keep costs down as much as possible. As they break get beefier components. I will admit tho if you can find a better rear end already geared to what you want and it is in good shape go ahead and do it. Oh and weight distribution hitch no matter what. Other then axle or gearing you can spend about $2000 and do a host of that stuff. that would include extra coolers for tranny and engine oil both external of radiator with fans on them even, the helper springs for leveling, ps cooler if not already factoried in. deeper and better tranny pan and rea end covers for more cooling and fluid capacity. I think you will bee just fine with that in the long run.

 

[99 2dr]

I tow anywhere from 6,000 -10,000 lb trailers on a weekly and some times daily basis. I of course have changed to the Nv4500 5 speed, 14 bolt SF, Air Bags, 12,000 lb hitch, 10pr tires and trailer brake controller. I am still running my original L31 with 340,000 mi on it. Your biggest problem is the short wheelbase of your tow rig and being able to control your trailer in windy conditions, rough roads and stopping.
You will Definitively need a larger tranny cooler if you tow very much weight in the hills. Before I changed to the 5 speed, I towed a 20' toy hauler from Las Vegas to Redding, Ca (12 hr drive). At the time I had a well built 4l60E with large pan, transmission temp gauge and stock trans cooler. I ran in third gear the entire time and watched the temp get scary hot a couple times.