Our limited had bolts where a hitch should be... but no hitch... so I put one on (only can get a class II)...

also, the van is pre-wired with a 4plug trailer light hookup AND it has a brake module connection plug under the dash!

I have added a module, hitch and tranny cooler for upgrades.

What would a factory towing package include?

Thanks!


-Terry

While the details varied from year to year, I believe the Windstar towing package generally only included:

- Auxiliary transmission cooler
- Some wiring upgrades (relays for trailer lighting, IIRC)
- Full-size spare tire

There may have been additional items; I've had a hard time verifying exactly what was added for each model year.

As you noted, this means the towing package does *not* incluce a hitch. I have seen Class III hitches for the Windstar.

Based on the wiring already in your van, I suspect yours has the factory towing package. I've seen the factory tow package transmission cooler: You're better off to get a quality aftermarket cooler (I installed a B&M plate-style cooler from Summit Racing).

Note that while the brake controller plug may appear under the dash, it may or may not include a brake controller wire to the back of the van (electric brake control isn't on the standard 4-pin connector). I've heard that some Windstars got a separate electric brake wire that could be found in one of the rear corners, but haven't seen one myself. I added the wiring myself.

I set up my 2000 Windstar LX to tow a popup camper. I added a transmission cooler, numerous wiring upgrades, a brake controller, AirLift 1000 spring airbags, a Class II hitch and a full-size spare. The Windstar is an under-appreciated tow vehicle; I've been very pleased with its performance after thousands of miles of towing.

I have a '96 3.8L that does not have the towing package.
I bought mine used....and it came with a Hidden Hitch brand of Class II hitch, and a wire & plug for trailer lighting.
I added a Derale auxillary transmission cooler.....an auxillary transmission cooler is a MUST for towing.

The factory tow package for '96 3.8L also included a engine oil cooler.
This cooler was NOT a mini-radiator like the auxillary transmission coolers and oil coolers that you will see online.
The factory engine oil cooler is a heat exchanger that is mounted in between the oil filter and the oil filter mount. It has 2 coolant lines (in and out) through which your engine coolant flows. The oil flowing through the oil filter also flows through the oil cooler.

I read about the air lift bags on here, and did a little looking around on the internet.
They fit inside the rear coil springs, and you add air to them.....
They do not increase the towing capacity of your vehicle, but they firm up the rear suspension.
Not sure if it was Phil-l or another user that had posted a link to their pictures on webshots....that showed the installation of the airlift bags.

Regarding AirLift 1000 spring airbag pictures:

It was me. Here they are:

http://community.webshots.com/album/548741257AJALLi

Thanks for the info, all!

I am familiar with the type of oil cooler you desribe... for all I know, our '98 Limited has it... I need to look...

our Limited does have a full-size spare already.

My '93 Camaro Z28 has the water/oil heat exchanging oil cooler base for the filter so I am familiar with what you describe... when I added a supercharger I had to shorten the aluminum coolant lines running to it (painful experience, hahahah!).

I might add clarity that our Windstar had the factory 4plug wire connector for trailer lights AND it already had the extra trailer brake wire... it was separate from the 4plug connector... the end had a black coating (dipped from the look of it) and it was simply taped with black harness tape (electrical tape?) to the outside of the harness going to the 4plug connector.

-Terry

oh yeah, meant to add...

I took the easy route and mounted our aftermarket tranny cooler behind the fans (between the fans and engine exhaust manifolds)... not the best place, but it prevented me having to run the lines either long and around the bottom of the radiator support or (worse) under it... my wife has a tendency to not slow down when entering our driveway and I've caught her scraping the front end repeatedly (and short of divorce I've already ridden that fence ad nauseum and she just won't stop doing it!)...

where have other folks mounted tranny coolers and did it work OK?


-Terry


(P.S. I also learned you don't use a 90deg elbow when you should really be using a end-end barb connector for the cooler lines... just because the parts stores are closed... I did this on Sunday and Monday I had to get the proper in-line barb and fix the van and add back 3 quarts of lost tranny fluids... yikes!... the added backpressure of the 90deg elbow caused the HOSE to burst!)

Mounted my cooler to the front of the condensor coils on the front of the radiator.......as the lower fins of the condensor coils were pretty beat up, I mounted mine higher......kind of on the driver's side top....gets the airflow through the "grill" between the headlights. I used the nylon push things that slide through between the fins....and you press a cap on to the back side....works just like the zip ties (cable ties)....self locking. I prefered this type of mounting as I was concerned that using the metal straps would leave me with too much vibration at the location that I was mounting mine......I put the felt pads at the corners...... Gets great air flow when the fans are on. I ran the cooler lines up by the antilock brake unit, through by the driver's side headlight.......trimmed the black cover that goes from the top of the frame over the radiator....to the soft bumper cover / grill....to let the lines through.......I also put a door edge rub strip on the metal that was close to the cooler lines.....and I put that "dress up" covering that they sell in the auto part stores......for putting over hoses and wires......to prevent any wear from rubbing against anything.
I think my cooler is rated for 17500 GVW.
I also have synthetic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil.

I used the plastic zip mounts as well... where I'm located with the cooler I didn't have any dress issues with the lines... but I won't benefit from the greater difference in temp that a front mount cooler will as the air will have already been somewhat heated by the radiator on its way through to the tranny cooler.

We won't be towing more than 3500lbs so we probably will be OK.

If we lived in the mountains, I might move the cooler or even go nuts and add a 2nd...

thanks again all for the help!

-Terry