We have a 2003 Windstar 3.8 V6 with about 80K miles. Yesterday we purchased a 2006 Rockwood Freedom pop up camper that we intend to tow with the Windstar. The unloaded weight on the Rockwood is around 1400 pounds, so we anticipate staying well below the 2000 pound towing capacity of the Windstar without a towing package. However, in order to extend the life of our Windstar we'd like to make some modifications, mainly being a trainy cooler, which we can't seem to find anywhere. Every place we have called says they don't make one for our Windstar. Can anyone tell me what we need to get and where to get it? Any other modificiatons that may be helpful in keeping our high mile Windstar kicking for many years to come while towing our PUP? Thanks in advance.

Barb

 

Aftermarket tranny cooler will work. You must see how much area you have available in front of your radiator. I suggest brackets instead of through radiator plastic ties (so the radiator doesn't get damaged). I can install these - mostly custom work. Any transmission shop should be able to handle it too - tell them you want brackets made - NOT the thru-radiator ties.

 

I suggest that you go to U-Haul and have them install a transmission cooler (and hitch if you need it). U-Haul has fast service and good prices. We have been towing a 1700 lb Coleman popup for manyyears with our Windstar. I do suggest that you change the transmission fluid more often if you tow. BTW, the transmision cooler bumps up your towing capacity to 3500 lbs. Good luck.

 

I sold my 95 W-star a year ago. I was (and still am)towing a Jayco 806 PUP which also ways 1400# dry, loaded I am running near 1700#. I installed a 5000# (about the largest) after market trans cooler up and down on the drivers side (you coulduse a rapid cool unit which is smaller and provides the same cooling). The issue you will face is the bend is too tight for the rubber hose. If you look at the passenger side of the radiator support you will see the power steering cooler lines. I brought 2 lines around the drivers side the same way. Try some steel lines, a tube bender, and a small propane torch (water in a bucket to cool), make your bends and fit to the rad support. I used the torch to warm the lines to allow me to make minor adjustments to the bends without risking a kink. I also disconnected the factory system, I cut flared the factorymetal lines on the trans side used rubber hose and clamps to replace the factory flex lines and built new metal lines to run around the rad support and then rubber hose to connect to cooler. The cooler mounted with pull ties threw the radiator.
PS I also installed Airlift 1000 air bags (cost about $100) in the rear coil springs, and also installed them in my new Freestar. The filling the bags to 30lbswill bring the rear back to normal ride height when you tow and deflate to7-5lbsfor normal riding conditions. They keep your stock ride and handling while providing the addition capacity when needed.

 

I'm a liitle confused by the info in my manual. I also have a 2003 Windstar. Added a hitch, tranny cooler, brake controler etc. even Monroe load assist shocks in the rear to tow my boat & Rockwood Freedom 1640 LTD. 1340 lbs dry weight. I thought it was a 3500 lb capacity but it says thats for the "Wagon"? Otherwise it's 2000 lbs. I noticed this difference in the manual after I smoked the tranny. I work for a large auto parts/salvage company. Our data shows a lot of Windstar trannys get ordered. Can anybody clarify this for me? My Ford remanufactured tranny is now out of warranty & I'm considering switching the tow duties to our Subaru Legacy. The fact that the van gets poor mileage & always seems to have an issue aside!

 

I don't have a clear answer for you, Bingo. But I have an opinion: Don't use a Windstar for pulling a heavy trailer.
The Windstar was intended to replace the Aerostar. They kept building the Aerostar until '97 along with the Windstar. People kept buying the Aerostar for its towing capacity.
Chevy Astro have good towing capacity as well.
Other than that go to trucks and truck based SUVs. With your connections you should have no trouble finding one.

 

Thanks anyway. It's still vexing. 1st category in manual says "without tow package van/wagon 2000 lbs". Next it says "with tow package. wagon 3500 lbs". Was there a "wagon version? I think there was.

 

Yes, there was a "wagon" version. First of all, all minivans belong to the category "truck". Chrysler did this to make use of the lower safety and environmental standards applied to trucks vs. personal cars. Everyone else followed.
The distinction between van and wagon is that of a delivery van and a people carrier.
Your title may tell you what you have. Decoding the VIN may also help.