New 71 Country Sedan Owner

Hi.

I just bought a '71 Ford Country Sedan. It's got a 400 cubic inch engine, a C6 trans, a 9-inch rear with 2.75:1 gears, and front disk brakes. I bought it to tow my 2800 pound track/autocross car ('80 Ford Fairmont/347/T-5) to events on a 1300 pound trailer with 4-wheel electric brakes.

I'm looking for recommendations on a hitch, and air helper springs. I've been towing the car for the last three years with my '96 F-150 (302/E4OD/3.55:1), so I'm mostly looking for wagon-specific advice.

Thanks,
Mike Cunningham
Altoona, PA, USA.

 

Welcome snailmont5oh!

 

HotRod, do you have any advice regarding sedans/coupes? I bet some of
It applies.

 

Welcome aboard snailmont5oh
Your Fairmont looks like a fun car!
I'd love to see photos of your wagon.
As far as your question regarding the towing situation, what specifically are you looking for? Like which class hitch should you use? Or vendors for passenger car mounted hitches?
I haven't ever used them, but I know that U-Haul sells hitches for just about anything. If you have a U-Haul store in your town you could stop in and chat with them.

 

Here's the Fairmont at work:

 

Thanks!

I know that I need a class III hitch, but I wondered if anyone had any positive or negative experiences with any particular brand. U-Haul's website says that they'd need to custom build it, but they'd be willing to fab and install it if I can get my car to their R 'n' D facility in Tempe, AZ.

Nope.

If it comes down to it, a buddy and I can weld one up.

I was also looking for anyone who had experience towing, especially in the 4-5000 pound range, with these cars.

 

Cool video. It looks like you have plenty of fun with the Fairmont.

 

Nice intro and video. Welcome aboard.

 

I take it that you're going with a load leveler setup with J-bars, other than that I'd look for a set of 3:23 gears for the 9" plus a heavy duty trans cooler for the C-6 and just be mindful of the limitations of the disc/drum braking on the wagon and enjoy.

 

Shouldn't be any limitations with those brakes. They pulled 30 foot airsteams back in the day so should stop a Fairmount. Your rear gear is a little high, mines a 77 colony park with 460 and 3.0 gear. Pulls 5000 around like its not back there and I only have 195 hp lol. Stop go traffic? 3-4 row rad and transmission cooler. Get a cheap one off of Amazon or rock auto 6-8 loop is best for transmission cooler. I've still got the brake controller that taps into the brake line and you pop the hood to adjust it.
No such thing as an SUV in 71 it was a wagon or ltd that did the towing right off the dealers lot.

 

If it hasn't been done replace any fuel line to ethanol rated ones. They turn to a marshmallow texture from the booze in the gas. Get rid of the vintage rubber brake lines also. Heck anything rubber should be inspected and replaced if it's suspect.

 

I was mainly referring to the stopping distances over vehicles with 4 wheel disc, you know the ones that jump in front of you and slam on the brakes.

 

Hmmm....5000 pound battering ram and someone thinks cutting you off is a good idea? Lmao yep that happens when I'm in my truck.