increase towing capacity?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

LXLXLX

LXLXLX

Joined
Dec 10, 2020
Threads
1
Messages
5
Location
Bay Area
Dear forum member, I have a 2000 LX470, 190k, very much all stock. Truck is struggling when towing a 23ft/6k lb boat especially going up hill, It usually tops at ~35mph on 2nd gear while average traffic is around 50 mph going up the hills.
Within ~$2K budget what will be the recommended solution? I am pretty handy can do most of the installations. TRD supercharger is way too expensive, I have seen some 2UZFE turbo kits on ebay for less than $1K but can not find any review on that.
 
I don’t think your budget is going to cover what you need. I’d suggest a 200 hundy or a Tundra with the 5.7L

Edit: 2nd thought, what if you bring the water to the boat and look for storage local to where you use the boat? what would be the difference in upgrading or replacing current tow vehicle, compared to storage fees near the water? Towing boat a short distance to boat ramp from lot would make current tow vehicle work a lot better and much less wear and tear.
 
Last edited:
2020 Rocks said:
I don’t think your budget is going to cover what you need. I’d suggest a 200 hundy or a Tundra with the 5.7L
Click to expand...

I concur it's time for an upgrade or buying a Tundra 5.7 to tow comfortably.

Maybe the 2005-2006 Tundra 4.7 may be a bit better b/c they have higher hp and 5 speed transmission but the 5.7l is what u really want to go with.
 
2000MY ( with the problematic automatic) and towing a heavy boat in hill country, you're testing the limits of that transmission. Maybe the advice for the 5.7 on a new platform is worth considering.

Curious: what is the combined weight of the boat + trailer + fuel? Do you have larger than stock tires?

If love and plan to keep your truck, the reasonable option is re-gearing. The least costly re-gearing option is a transfer case high range 10% reduction which effectively takes your ratio from a 4.1 to 4.56. :banana::banana:Doable mod from your garage floor. I'd also look into a valve body upgrade (lock up kit) to ensure you extend the life of that transmission. Both mods, will be under $2,000 if you do the work.

Cruiser Outfitters Sumo Gear Land Cruiser Transfer Case 10% Underdrive Gear Set - Fits 8x/100 Series

Valve body & Lock up kit Wholesale Automatic Transmissions -

Here's a video showing the install of a part time kit - but is a good visual reference in part of how you access the TC and replace the gear (you wouldn't need to replace the spool)
 
Your towing capacity of 6000lbs is well with in the limits of a 470 or 100, presuming there is nothing wrong. So if it's just towing speed your after, then as other members have said, number 8 is your option.

  1. Get the Right Hitch. First and foremost, you will need to invest in the right type of hitch. ...
  2. Use a Programmer. ...
  3. Replace Axles. ...
  4. Upgrade the Braking System. ...
  5. Install a Bigger Radiator. ...
  6. Upgrade Suspension. ...
  7. Enhance Your Intake and Exhaust. ...
  8. Upgrade Your Truck.
 
Re-gearing to a higher ratio (4.56 or 4.88) the diffs is the next best practical way to do since you mentioned you are able to do the install.
 
Regear.
Stock size tires
 
As stated above, a bigger truck, a lighter boat, or closer to the water storage are your best options to consider.
 
Smiles said:
Your towing capacity of 6000lbs is well with in the limits of a 470 or 100, presuming there is nothing wrong. So if it's just towing speed your after, then as other members have said, number 8 is your option.

  1. Get the Right Hitch. First and foremost, you will need to invest in the right type of hitch. ...
  2. Use a Programmer. ...
  3. Replace Axles. ...
  4. Upgrade the Braking System. ...
  5. Install a Bigger Radiator. ...
  6. Upgrade Suspension. ...
  7. Enhance Your Intake and Exhaust. ...
  8. Upgrade Your Truck.
Click to expand...

I agree he should get a bigger truck, but many of these other steps here look like advice for someone with a Diesel.

Axles are plenty strong for towing a lot more than 6k lbs on the 100.

Suspension if the tongue weight is right is no problem. Land cruiser radiators and trans coolers are easily up to the task of towing a heavy boat, even in extreme heat. Braking system is fine, but working brakes on the trailer are very important.

100's aren't tow pigs, but they will get it done. If I was in your position and wanted to keep the boat, I'd spring for a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton gasser. My ecoboost pulled at the limit of it's tow rating many times and did it well and with power to spare. It was reliable and comfortable too.
 
AlpineAccess said:
I agree he should get a bigger truck, but many of these other steps here look like advice for someone with a Diesel.

Axles are plenty strong for towing a lot more than 6k lbs on the 100.

Suspension if the tongue weight is right is no problem. Land cruiser radiators and trans coolers are easily up to the task of towing a heavy boat, even in extreme heat. Braking system is fine, but working brakes on the trailer are very important.

100's aren't tow pigs, but they will get it done. If I was in your position and wanted to keep the boat, I'd spring for a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton gasser. My ecoboost pulled at the limit of it's tow rating many times and did it well and with power to spare. It was reliable and comfortable too.
Click to expand...
Yes there are more Diesels over here in the UK, but I was talking in general terms not specific terms, so the conssnsus of opinon so far is, that the 470/100's are more than capable for towing the weight in question but just not fast enough for the OP, in stock configuration.

The options boil down to, A) throw loads of $ at the 470 or, B) buy a truck that can do the same job at a higer speed, especially up a hill of what gradient? And would the other trucks that have an average speed of 50mph all be towing a 6000lb weight? So the question should be, how to increase the towing speed for a given weight, not the towing capacity.

I know what I would do. :)
 
Last edited:
I assume you are monitoring your tranny temps with an OBD2 reader, correct? If not, it is a good idea to get one and monitor tranny temps, or else long-term tranny trouble could be in your future.
 
I was in your position. I only want one truck, my 100, so it has to do everything. IMO here's your three best choices:

#1 sell your '99 and get an '03 or newer. 5-speed transmission + HP bump. '06 an '07 even more HP. My '07 can tow up to Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 ft elevation at 50+ MPH towing a Subaru on my car trailer (approx 5000-5500lbs). I doubt you have anything that tough to climb in CA.

#2 poke around junkyards and craigslist and try to find a TRD SC kit from another truck that would meet your $2k budget.

#3 Add a couple bolt-ons and an e85 conversion kit. That might push you over the edge to shift up to 3rd gear and gain a few MPH:

Doug Thorley headers: Amazon.com: Doug Thorley Headers thy-561-ss-c Smog Legal Header for Toyota Land Cruiser 4.7L: Automotive
Borla catback exhaust: Amazon.com: Borla 14814 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System: Automotive

e85 conversion:


#4 option would be the ebay turbo kit but only if you know what you're doing and in that case DO IT AND POST IT HERE!!
 
Sonora Pass in CA is pretty tough. It's about 30 miles of 8% grade and up to 26% grade peaking at 9600 ft. I towed my 2500 lb trailer up and down and prefer not to do anything heavier.
 
I'd suggest just not caring. $2000 buys a lot of Xanax.
 
J1000 said:
I was in your position. I only want one truck, my 100, so it has to do everything. IMO here's your three best choices:

#1 sell your '99 and get an '03 or newer. 5-speed transmission + HP bump. '06 an '07 even more HP. My '07 can tow up to Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 ft elevation at 50+ MPH towing a Subaru on my car trailer (approx 5000-5500lbs). I doubt you have anything that tough to climb in CA.

#2 poke around junkyards and craigslist and try to find a TRD SC kit from another truck that would meet your $2k budget.

#3 Add a couple bolt-ons and an e85 conversion kit. That might push you over the edge to shift up to 3rd gear and gain a few MPH:

Doug Thorley headers: Amazon.com: Doug Thorley Headers thy-561-ss-c Smog Legal Header for Toyota Land Cruiser 4.7L: Automotive
Borla catback exhaust: Amazon.com: Borla 14814 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System: Automotive

e85 conversion:


#4 option would be the ebay turbo kit but only if you know what you're doing and in that case DO IT AND POST IT HERE!!
Click to expand...

J1000 said:
I was in your position. I only want one truck, my 100, so it has to do everything. IMO here's your three best choices:

#1 sell your '99 and get an '03 or newer. 5-speed transmission + HP bump. '06 an '07 even more HP. My '07 can tow up to Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 ft elevation at 50+ MPH towing a Subaru on my car trailer (approx 5000-5500lbs). I doubt you have anything that tough to climb in CA.

#2 poke around junkyards and craigslist and try to find a TRD SC kit from another truck that would meet your $2k budget.

#3 Add a couple bolt-ons and an e85 conversion kit. That might push you over the edge to shift up to 3rd gear and gain a few MPH:

Doug Thorley headers: Amazon.com: Doug Thorley Headers thy-561-ss-c Smog Legal Header for Toyota Land Cruiser 4.7L: Automotive
Borla catback exhaust: Amazon.com: Borla 14814 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System: Automotive

e85 conversion:


#4 option would be the ebay turbo kit but only if you know what you're doing and in that case DO IT AND POST IT HERE!!
Click to expand...


Good suggestions indeed - thank you
Smiles said:
Yes there are more Diesels over here in the UK, but I was talking in general terms not specific terms, so the conssnsus of opinon so far is, that the 470/100's are more than capable for towing the weight in question but just not fast enough for the OP, in stock configuration.

The options boil down to, A) throw loads of $ at the 470 or, B) buy a truck that can do the same job at a higer speed, especially up a hill of what gradient? And would the other trucks that have an average speed of 50mph all be towing a 6000lb weight? So the question should be, how to increase the towing speed for a given weight, not the towing capacity.

I know what I would do. :)
Click to expand...

Yes exactly - how to increase speed , not towing capacity. Thank you .
 
Smiles said:
Your towing capacity of 6000lbs is well with in the limits of a 470 or 100, presuming there is nothing wrong. So if it's just towing speed your after, then as other members have said, number 8 is your option.

  1. Get the Right Hitch. First and foremost, you will need to invest in the right type of hitch. ...
  2. Use a Programmer. ...
  3. Replace Axles. ...
  4. Upgrade the Braking System. ...
  5. Install a Bigger Radiator. ...
  6. Upgrade Suspension. ...
  7. Enhance Your Intake and Exhaust. ...
  8. Upgrade Your Truck.
Great advice - thank you
Click to expand...
 
abuck99 said:
2000MY ( with the problematic automatic) and towing a heavy boat in hill country, you're testing the limits of that transmission. Maybe the advice for the 5.7 on a new platform is worth considering.

Curious: what is the combined weight of the boat + trailer + fuel? Do you have larger than stock tires?

If love and plan to keep your truck, the reasonable option is re-gearing. The least costly re-gearing option is a transfer case high range 10% reduction which effectively takes your ratio from a 4.1 to 4.56. :banana::banana:Doable mod from your garage floor. I'd also look into a valve body upgrade (lock up kit) to ensure you extend the life of that transmission. Both mods, will be under $2,000 if you do the work.

Cruiser Outfitters Sumo Gear Land Cruiser Transfer Case 10% Underdrive Gear Set - Fits 8x/100 Series

Valve body & Lock up kit Wholesale Automatic Transmissions -

Here's a video showing the install of a part time kit - but is a good visual reference in part of how you access the TC and replace the gear (you wouldn't need to replace the spool)
Click to expand...


I will look into this - thank you .
 
2020 Rocks said:
I don’t think your budget is going to cover what you need. I’d suggest a 200 hundy or a Tundra with the 5.7L

Edit: 2nd thought, what if you bring the water to the boat and look for storage local to where you use the boat? what would be the difference in upgrading or replacing current tow vehicle, compared to storage fees near the water? Towing boat a short distance to boat ramp from lot would make current tow vehicle work a lot better and much less wear and tear.
Click to expand...

yes the boat has been sitting at a friends house close by the boat ramp during summer - thanks.
 
I know my 99 LX has a transmission cooler. Not sure if that was stock or upgraded by the original owner. Does yours have one too?

This makes me reconsider getting a larger trailer... I
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

cbbr
Real world towing capacity
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
cbbr
cbbr
S
4speed transmission fluid capacity with pan drop
Replies
15
Views
1K
gregdawg89
gregdawg89
DodgeH8TER
100 series landcruiser refrigerant capacity W/O rear AC
Replies
8
Views
674
seanz0rz
S
E
LX470 Radiator Capacity?
Replies
6
Views
1K
2001LC
2001LC

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom