I bought my 2008 with just about everything other than a tow package. My intent was to use the SUV to tow my track car. Since I did not get the factory tow package, my rear has a 3:55 ratio. The Chrysler website states a 5.7 Hemi with 3:55 can tow 8550 lbs. I am only towing 4850lbs including trailer. I simply put on an aftermarket hitch and wiring harness. Besides maybe not having as good acceleration up big hills, are there any issues? I figure I am well below the factory rating. I came from a Jeep with a Hemi and 3:73 and it was MORE than enough, so I figure the 3:55 should not be a problem.

Please let me know your thoughts

 

The Hemi with the tow package has 3:93's if I'm not mistaken, to get the almost 9000lb tow capacity. The only thing I would be worried about is the tranny. A towing package basically assists in cooling... and the hitch/wiring etc. I would be talking with your favorite dealer and see what precautions need to be taken.

I agree that the 3:55's should work well for your situation.

 

I called the Chrysler Customer Service Center last week about that exact same question and they confirmed, proved, and showed me that the 3:55 axle has the same tow/haul rating as the 3:93. Like the reply above says, the packages just assists in cooling and such. As long as you have the vehicle confirgured properly, such as the class 4 hitch, you're fine. Naturally anyone would be a dumb A$$ if they didn't put a transmission cooler on as well, that is just as common sense as it gets, you'll eventually cook your transmission. Also, once you hit 5000lbs towing a trailer, you have to get a load distributor.stabilizer added to your hitch as well. You don't have to remove it or get a new one or anything, it just adds on to it. Does wonders for how your trailer feels.

 

I think the tow package other then the added cooling, also has the anti-sway feature on the rear end, and the tow mode on the tranny it was a button on the tran selecot lever which kept it out of overdrive so it wouldn't keep doenshifting as much,or at least my 07 did

 

A Tow/Haul button changes the shiftpoints in the transmission, if you don't have a T/H button you can force the trans into the specific gear,ONLY IF the trans starts "hunting".Leave thetrans in theforced gearuntil you feel the trans won't hunt. Example, you start heading up a hill, a long hill, the trans shifts down, but is able to gain speed in the lower gear on the hill, enough to change gearsback up, but then as soon as it changes up, it changes back down (the gear ratios and engine cannot hold the hill in this gear), NOW would be the time to choose the appropiate gear and hold it there till the truck gets to the top of the hill.

I would also ask a dealer if the steering fluid is cooled with a factory tow package, not just the trans is cooled anymore in SOME vehicles.