Auto transmission Towing Question

[SHOOT1SAM]

Been away from the TDR for about a year. I'm in my 3rd CTD, but my 1st Automatic; a 2K, 2500 QC LWB, 3. 54, 4X4. Also my 1st 24V & completely stock. I will be towing a 25' 5th wheel now & then, CVWR about 13,500. Has a transmission cooler & I'll be switching to synthetic fluid ASAP. Any heads up tips I need to be aware of? Always tow with O/D off, or just when it starts shifting in & out? Should I proactively switch anything out ahead of time, like a TC? Got the truck with 21K miles; should I be fearing a fuel lift pump problem? Figured with the 3rd model year 24 valve that the bugs would have been worked out. After sifting through all the forums over the last few days, I feel a little less confident. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

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Sam: 2000, QC-2500, 4X4, LWB, Automatic, Dark Garnet, K&N, Mobil-Delvac 1

 

[Bob Wagner]

TC and VB would be a nice upgrade.

Check out www.dieseltrans.com and if you have any transmission question call Bill 1 604 504 4002 he will do you right. #ad

 

[LSMITH]

Sam, you should look into getting a fuel pressure guage, it will be good insurance for sure but will probably tell you that your lift pump has died sooner or later. The general concensus seems to be that you should not tow under 1500 RPM in OD. A TC and a VB would do wonders for your towing performance, and if you add any power you will need to upgrade.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[OILBRNR]

I really don't like to tow in OD if the RPMs drop much below 2k. Merging onto the highway and stop-n-go traffic where speeds are less than 60, I lockout OD. Also, if I see a hill coming up, I'll take it out of OD and let the TC lock back up before starting the climb. Remember these engines can run against the gov all day long, and without a good VB like DTT at least you'll be generating the maximum transmission pump pressure at the higher RPMs. YMMV

I have a fuel pressure gauge on order. I think I'll sleep better at night once installed. #ad


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'99 4x4 • SB • QC • 3. 54 • LSD • AT • Leather • Mag-Hytec • Westach Guages • Line-X • Luverne Nerfs • Tommy Gate

Towing:
'99 28' Airstream Excella (~7000# dry)
'69 24' IMP Inca Twin Screw (~6000# wet)

[This message has been edited by OILBRNR (edited 04-14-2001). ]

 

[Hot Shot]

I now have over 120,000 on my 2001 auto. I am very pleased with how it performs.

Installed VA at 28,000
Installed injectors at 54,000
Installed torque convertor and pressureloc at 78,000 (give or take a little)
Installed VB and another new TC at 92,000.
Installed new VA (replaced under warranty)98,000 I believe.

The truck pulls great. But before I upgraded, I was rather disappointed.

Stay in 3rd all the up to 60 and dropit into overdrive while under steady accelleration.

Flush transmission every 15-17,000 and change filter every 30,000.
FWIW thats what I do.

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2001 3500 QC 24V SLT Larimie, leather, BD Plug in Power, 275 injectors, BD Torque Convertor ,Valve Body, Pressure Lock, Torque-loc, Gauges,Black w/ Ranchhand bumpers Brownes HD Headache rack and a black wetherguard coffin. pullee 34Ft. gooseneck and a 32ft x 6ft stock trailer.
2000 Durnago SLT 5. 9litre V8

 

[DGFoster]

Call Bill K and get his VB and TC you wont be sorry,see my post:First long trip with new toys #ad


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Dave Foster:
3500,Light Driftwood,Quad cab
4x4,4:10 gears,Westach Gauges,K&N,Auto with DTT VB and TC,DD1 injectors and Boost Module,Van Aakens,Muffler and Resinator removed,Amsoiled front to back.
Member of the GLTDR.

 

[DGFoster]

Over drive isnt the problem,with mine it was shudder in 3rd gear,with 4:10 it is hard to tow with over drive off,I think as long as you dont go below 1600,seemed to be the point were it wanted to shudder.

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Dave Foster:
3500,Light Driftwood,Quad cab
4x4,4:10 gears,Westach Gauges,K&N,Auto with DTT VB and TC,DD1 injectors and Boost Module,Van Aakens,Muffler and Resinator removed,Amsoiled front to back.
Member of the GLTDR.

 

[B.G. Smith]

You will not have any problems with the transmission towing the trailer as long as the truck is stock. Some of the fueling boxes will cause torque converter chattering at lower speeds though. I tow a 31' trailer with a gcvw of 19400 and have learned from experience that the transmission will downshift going up a hill much smoother and more erfficient than you ever can but of course if you have to run below 60 or so it is better to lock out the OD. Just my opinion of course. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Archive]

The first and hardest decision you face is to (as best as you can) decide what power upgrades you ultimately intend on running with. The power changes that are made to your engine will to a large degree dictate the correct selection of a torque converter and valve body setup. Do the transmission second, after gauges. Save the big power upgrades for Last. (Iknow,Iknow,Iknow... . easier said than done)

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1999 White Quad Cab SLT Dually Auto 4:10 Posi. NOT BOMBED... ... ... ... (very much) 31,000 miles