I have a 327 from a 68 Camero with a 700R4 tranny with a 3:38 rear end. Standard springs and Gabriel Air shocks. Front disc brakes. The wagon weighs 4,000lbs. I am trying to figure out what the towing capacity is. How can I compute towing capacity? ( I figure my 62 Vette and a tandem axle box trailer weighs a little less than 6,000lbs)
A pre-malaise car generally could handle 5K to 6K, depending on engine displacement, unless specifically designed/built for a higher weight rating.
The engine shouldn't be a factor. Let's face it. A Dodge 318 2 barrel was in pretty much all of the Dodge truck series for many many years. I had a 1983 Dodge Ramcharger with a 318 2 barrel and I towed a 1966 Dodge Charger filled up with spare parts on a heavy equipment trailer. It just trucked along no problem. I think your 327 with those gears should be fine. Plus your frame is better than most of the trucks from the last 20+ years. If the rear does sag too much you can always add stronger springs if need be.
'Stronger springs,' ¡Si! 'Air shocks,' ¡No! The reason you don't want air shocks for towing is the added weight can beat up the frame attachment points or snap a shock.
I have a set of Balkamp springs on the rear of the Fury. Grandpa installed them for pulling their camping trailer before he bought the F-100. They're still on there. I have the original springs in the Balkamp box in my garage. I know they towed all kinds of stuff with the Fury and it's a Poly 318 with a 727 behind it. As long as the load is reasonable and your suspension is set up correctly I think you'll find that you are capable of towing quite a bit. I am curious why you posed the question Paladin. Do you have an adventure planned?
Orthmann, your reply makes perfect sense. The heavier springs may also help stiffen the ride. The springs on the wagon are only five years old...but they are standard springs. With regard to upcoming adventures...I have a Corvette Show car which is fully capable of being driven to the various shows, I just think it would be neat to pull up with the wagon towing the Vette. Also, there is an event in Bowling Green this year where Corvettes from all over congregate. I really don't think I would use the wagon to take the Vette there (It gets 12 mpg just hauling itself around). But it's a thought.
I think Sarge would be more than capable towing a Vette. Why not? Here's the way I look at it when planning something like this: It's all about the adventure. Smiles per gallon are way more important than miles per gallon.
I agree. Plus, if some scum bucket tangles you in an accident, you have two cars and a trailer to sue them over.
