Towing Issues: towing capacity, jeep grand cherokee, 2005 jeep grand cherokee

Question
I have an all wheel drive 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.7 Liter V6 engine.  
It is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, is it at all possible to modify the jeep to handle
more weight, up to 4,500 pounds?  What can I do?

Answer
The factory makes a lot of changes to raise towing capacity.  Things like springs, axles, bearings, transmissions even the whole frame and more can be changed.  Sometimes it isn't that complicated though.

In your case the transmission and engine are going to be the main limiting factors.  A load equaliZing hitch will help spread the load front to back, and I would not tow that much without one.

You may need to add extra springs in the back though, and maybe more heavy duty springs all the way around.  A transmission cooler (if you have an Automatic) is really needed.

Officially, I will not recommend you do this, but if you do, inspect the vehicle frequently and make sure things like the brakes and bearings are fresh and checked often.  Also make sure you have at least a class three hitch installed correctly.

Don