getting a D2 ready for towing duty
 

Hi

I have a 2000 D2 which is to be used for towing a tandem horse float (box) around the place, all up around 2 ton.
Im replacing the rad and thermostat, all diffs / gbox oils have been changed.

should I up grade the trans cooler/ anything else I should look at?? brake pads ?
Cheers

justin

Trailer have brakes? If not, exceeds towing capacityin owners manual. Electric brakes will need controller. Trailer lights needs harness adapter. Note that owner manual says towing braked trailers to 7700 lbs in lower gears only. A lot of GM vehicles also mention not towing in 4th or over drive.

Tranny cooler is pretty good sized now, it is that radiator between the AC condenser (front) and the coolant radiator (rear). Depending on VIN may have two in there, second is oil cooler.

If you haven't already got the thermostat consider one of the "soft spring" 82 C temp ones from Justin at Lucky8, truck runs 10 degrees or so cooler.

I tow regulaly up and down the east coast, from Baltimore to Florida and up to Vermont with my 2003 Disco. I changed out my thermostat to a new standard one as the old one was orginal and it dropped the temp down to standard operating temps. The only other changes that I have done is to upgrade to Okibono ceramic pads. If not done already then get an Ultra Gauge EM or similar to keep an eye on the temp.
I considered going to heavy duty springs but could not live with the harshness when not towing.

G Reese is correct if you havent checked your pads lately this would be a good time.
Your talking about a 2 1/2 ton truck towing a 2 ton trailer, that's a fair amount of weight. yes Akebono ceramic pads would be a good choice to use.

And make sure you have good clean ATF in the tranny.

No modifications needed, your truck was ready to tow from the factory.
If it is in good running condition it is in good towing condition.

Hi

Cheers, The float is braked, our old D1 Disco used to tow it easy.
Will service the trans as well. Dont think the brake pads mentioned are available in NZ. We have EBC pads available as upgrade??
Truck has done over 300K, and dont have any service history, however the bonnet (hood!) has been off at some stage, engine runs well.
The factory tow bar is rated at 3.5 ton.
Any tips in replacing the power steer / ACE fluid??

Thanks

justin

There is a bleed screw ontop of the steering box, loosen it, put a hose on it and stick the hose into a empty jug.
Have a friend start the engine, keep the power steering system full of new fluid.'
If you use a clear plastic jug, like a washer solvent bottle, you can see when new fluid starts to come out.
Once that happens turn off the engine, tighten the bleed screw, top off the system.
Whole thing takes like 10 min and is the only way to change all of the fluid.

Thanks for this, Spike. I had been wondering what the best way to do a real flush was.

If you dont have a friend you can remove the belt and spin the power steering pump by hand, same effect just takes longer and is more work.