After wording this several different ways both on a forum search and internet search I decided to post my question

What is the towing capacity of a 1985 Cherokee Laredo with the 2.8L V6 and 3 speed automatic?

Mike J.

 

How fast do you want to go? I once put an add a leaf in the rear springs and towed a rolled XJ on a trailer that weighed 2280 empty 680 miles over some tall mountains. But it was a long trip. Never got out of 4th gear on the 5 speed.

but in all practicality, I wouldn't go over 2000# with it and only after adding a good tranny cooler.

 

a 2.8 liter's towing capacity is negative the weight of the vehicle.

in all honesty, I wouldn't tow anything with it. period. it's a crap motor, that can't barely pull itself much less anything else.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'm looking at towing a 6x12 enclosed trailer will a GVWR of 2990lbs, tongue weight of 155lbs. The 1985 Cherokee I have is a "free to good home" from a friend. Would swapping in the 4.0L V6 and 4 speed automatic be worth it, or should I look for a different vehicle for towing?

Mike J

 

If you are going to swap motors, use the GM 3.4L from the Camaro. It is a bolt in and 10 times less work than a 4.0 would be. They will make 160 hp in some years and with the 4.10s you have in the diff would outrun a stock 4.0 anyway.

 

agree with above post.


and you get EFI out of the deal with a bit of wiring.

 

Thanks for the help. Any specific year for the 3.4L motor? And any recommended source for re-manufactured long blocks?

 

What is this 4.0L V6 you speak of??

 

Its a Ford.. they used them in Ranger and Exploders

 

Depends on how good you are at wiring and how much horsepower you want. The 93 - 95 motors have the most horsepower of all the OBDI. But earlier versions use the throttle body injection which is less wiring. Yo will have to come up with a sending unit and pump from 87 and up for the fuel tank too and be sure to use the 3.4 fly wheel or flex plate, not the 2.8