1997 Supercab, XLT, 4x2, 4.6L, Auto, 75k, Cut Airbox w/ K&N, Bosch Platinum +4 plugs.

I tow a Jeep on a trailer (5k - 5.5k lbs total) about 6 times a year, and am just not quite happy with the power of the 4.6L. I know I should have bought a 5.4L, but this was all I could find in my price range that didn't have 150k miles already.

What modifications would do the most for towing performance? I know this engine makes most of it's power at 3k or higher, but I'd like some way to boost power around 2k or 2.5k if that is possible.

All options are on the table, except for supercharge / turbo. I'm trying to figure out what it would cost me compared to selling it and starting over.

Thanks in Advance!
Tommy

 

The cheapest and most effective change would be the rear gear. <$500 for 2wd trucks. What do you have now? Also, what tire size do you have now vs. stock?

 

I've currently got 3.55 Limited Slip, so 4.10s would make a nice change, and I have considered that. However it wouldn't increase the power at lower rpms, which is what I'm most interested in. Being from the Jeep world, I'm pretty familiar with what gears can do for performance, but it would be great if I could do something to increase the actual power of the engine.

My tires are 265/70-16, which makes my gearing about 5% off since stock was 235/70-16. I was suffering from cranial-rectal inversion when I ordered the tires and told them the wrong size. However, I towed prior to the new tires and wasn't very impressed with it then either.

In reality, my desired level of towing performance probably can't be met by the 4.6L.

 

you are correct, a jump to 4.10 wouldn't increase hp....but it would get what hp you have there more effectively and easier.

I would look into getting a performance chip to help out. It will change up your shift points and add a little more umph in the lower end. I would also get you a true cold-air-intake (not sure how effective the cut-air-box mod is. Towing and sucking in hot air from the engine is probably hurting a little. I haven't researched it) that sucks air in from somewhere outside the engine bay.

 

There are no bolt on mods (or combination of them all) that will get you significantly better towing performance than the 5% tire size you lost, let alone better than stock. A 4.10 gear gives you 15.5% better torque multiplier over 3.55. While it is true that you'll not change the engine power chacteristics, you'll be spending much less time in the underpowered range. The 4.6 has no problems singing at 3000-3500rpm all day.

 

A tuner can help improve shift pressures and firmness while towing.JMO