Thanks BrOkeit...no SLS here!

Handsome Rob (Great reference BTW, my Daily is an 08 MCS)...No ACE here either. I do however have Hill descent assist and Traction control.

Great input NYChaze, thanks greatly! I think the first thing I'll do is change all the fluids, then I will go ahead and do a 2-3" Heavy Duty lift (one more thing to add to the list to research because I'll be due for some new tires come winter and I'd like to step up to a beefier looking setup like 33's.

BTW, I was looking into a 3" terra-firma lift...?? I haven't done any research yet so don't hose me for it...

 

As I have stated on here before, i regulaly tow a large boat to Florida from Baltimore and back, and a large heavey ATV on a trailer from Baltimore to Vermont and Back regulaly with my 2003 Disco 2 4.6. The only modifications that I have done is to goto Akebono ceramic pads and this month have fitted the motorad 180f T/stat that has dropped my temps by at least 6-8 degrees. My springs and rotors are standard as I did not want the harsh ride with out the trailers and when towing it does not sit down that much. The only other mod is to get an Ultra gauge EM to keep am eye on the temps and any other problems.
I have switched to Shell Rottela T6 in the winter and T5 in the summer with a mobil 1 - 301 oil filter.

 

Here is a pic of the truck pulling the boat... there is some sag in the back but i had my 33s' on at the time so i think it makes it look more compressed. I typically dont tow with the 33s on...they are just my off-road tire...i switch back to my 18s with street tires for the work week...

Definitely would not tow again with the 33s on with stock gearing...it was hard to keep it over 55 going up small hills on the highway...but was just itching to get it out one day and those were the tires i had on...

and as G Reeves mentioned its good to have some good pads for braking and the t-stat mod to keep her cool (mine should be here any day).

(not to sidetrack the thread)
G Reeves - Do your brakes squeak excessively? I have had Akebo on stock rotors for the past 6-8months/5-7k miles and i honestly am about ready to take them out and throw them in the trash. I can understand them squeaking on a trail after the TC has kicked on a few times or after a steep decent but i feel they get way to squeaky way to fast even on the street...and i would say im light on the both pedals...

 

Nychaze - Rebed your pads.

Mine were nice and quiet after re-bedding. I use the same process on my Audi too.


Copied:
Step 1: Make 10 stops from 30 mph (50 kph) down to about 10 mph (15 kph) using moderate braking pressure and allowing approximately 30 seconds between stops for cooling. Do not drag your pads during these stops. After the 10th stop, allow 15 minutes for your braking system to cool down.

Step 2: Make 5 consecutive stops from 50 mph (80 kph) down to 10 mph (15 kph). After the 5th stop, allow your braking system to cool for approximately 30 minutes. This completes the break-in of your pads to the rotor surface.

During Steps 1 & 2, a de-gassing process occurs which may produce an odor coming from your pads as they complete the break-in cycle. This odor is normal and is part of the process your pads must go through to achieve their ultimate level of performance. The odor will go away after allowing your braking system to cool for approximately 30 minutes.

As with any new set of pads, do not tow a trailer or do any hauling during the break-in period.

Full seating of your new brake pads normally occurs within 1,000 miles.

 

Bedded my pads in similar to what ebg18t did, also used copper grease as well. I love the Akebono pads, virtually no break dust so do not have 3 amigos.
Would not go to 33" tires as this will reduce your gearing when towing to the extent that even a prius on electric will leave you in its dust.. I have just standard rims and tires and cruse up and down the east coast at 65-70mph.

 

I may have to pick up a spare set of stock size tires/wheels to tow with till I get gears/lockers. I am sure I will look plenty goofy with my 4"+ lift and tiny tires.