I have an 86 4x4 SR5 turbo, auto, and there are signs that the previous owner used it to tow something decently large. The truck has a 7 wire trailer plug, the rear bumper is severely bent from what looks like a bumper mounted ball pulling something heavy, the suspension is nice and stiff, the truck doesn't sag, the brakes work awesome.

Now, what I want to do, is use the truck to tow my car (~3500lbs), either on a dolly, or possibly a small trailer between my house, and my mother's property outside of town (about a 30 mile drive from my place). Can I do this safely? The owner's manual states that these trucks can be used for towing up to 3500lbs, but the car and a trailer would be pushing 4000.

Things I feel would be absolutely necessary would be a PROPER frame mounted hitch, not a damn bumper mounted one, a large transmission cooler, ideally a trailer or dolly with brakes, some airbags and/or air shocks for further stiffening the back if necessary.

This isn't like an every day sort of thing, I just want the ability to move my car (or other project cars) between properties a few times a year.

 

I dont see an issue at all with that if its only 30 miles...

just take it slow

 

Tow more than your vehicle is rated for and get in an accident and you will be sorry.

Tow what your vehicle is rated for or borrow a friend's tow vehicle a few times a year.

Law enforcement has really been cracking down on people towing too much around here lately.

 

u should be fine just be careful. ive towed a motorhome for 20 miles with mine, so if my 22re with 200,000 miles (at the time) could tow a 1978 dodge motorhome, then u can tow a little car.

 

I towed this back from colorado 1000 miles through the mountains....that was exhilarating!

 

Just make sure you turn off the OD.

 

you would be pushing it--get the class 3 hitch. a bumper mounted hitch on the Toyotas were a joke at least the one on my '86 4Runner ...

as far as the wiring: test it, with a 7 pin the truck probably had an electric brake controller at some point unless the PO mickey moused the crap out of it:

(center pin is for a battery charging circuit for camp trailers etc)

 

It did have a brake controller at one point. It's been removed, but the wiring is still there. If I decide to tow something this heavy, I would like to have one.

 

Tow it around the block and see if you are comfortable with it. The inspect the brakes to make sure they are in tip top condition.