Automatic Transmission Questions

[Archive]

How much weight are you pulling with your Auto trans? And how long has it lasted? Is it safe to pull a load in overdrive? I got the 3. 5 gears hoping that I could tow without having to use the OD as it is supposed to be the weak link but run out of RPM's near 60MPH, don't like turning that many revs anyhow, my boat and trailer weigh about 7500lbs. Also my underhood spec sheet shows that my truck has a 518 transmission but the factory service manual shows that it is a 46RH, is this the same trans?
Sorry for so many questions at once but searched and couldn't find the answers.
Thanks in advance, HAPPY RAMMIN
Caleb Reese

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1993 LE W250 4x4 CC,Auto,3. 5's,Limited slip. Diamondplate,K&N,Egt,Boost,trans temp VDO Vision series.
Preparing to B. O. M. B.

 

[Archive]

I tow my boat with my 93 auto 8500# and always in OD on the interstate, if i hit a hill > 60 mph in OD i can climb no problem if i hit a hill under 60 mph then i have to shift out of OD and my hill speed drops to about 50.

i changed transmitions at 120000, i was getting a little slipage in first gear, and that had more to do with my driving style than the towing.

i also installed the under the bed fan powered trans cooler, B&D converter when i installed the new trans, the cooler is wonderfull, B&D converter, the jury's still out on this one i'm not getting the advertised stall speed that i thought i would still at 2200 rpm

Rick

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93 W 250 Banks turbo, intercooler, straight exhaust, JRE injectors, K&N, moderate pump tuning, B&D converter, TFOD diesel shift kit, 21/2 in skyjacker system, lock rite in rear, (detroit locker waiting instalation) lock rite in front, fourwheel camper, steel horse bucket seats, borgeson steering arm, jacobs headlight brightener, Dual battery conversion, dunlop 255/85/16 rovers,

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[Archive]

Hi Boatpuller,
I have a 91 4X4 auto 3. 54 rearend and I have pulled a 29' travel trailer. I would guess the weight to be 8000-8500 lbs. I don't really know. I have pulled this trailer all over the country and in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado always in O. D. and have never had a problem. The trans. never hunted back and forth and works just fine. For what its worth! Good Luck!

Jerry

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91 W250 4X4 LE, ARE Campershell, stainless running boards, Grill guard, K&N, A/R Nitro 16X8 wheels, Bridgeston Deuelers, Air Bags

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by boatpuller:
How much weight are you pulling with your Auto trans? And how long has it lasted? Is it safe to pull a load in overdrive? I got the 3. 5 gears hoping that I could tow without having to use the OD as it is supposed to be the weak link but run out of RPM's near 60MPH, don't like turning that many revs anyhow, my boat and trailer weigh about 7500lbs. Also my underhood spec sheet shows that my truck has a 518 transmission but the factory service manual shows that it is a 46RH, is this the same trans?
Sorry for so many questions at once but searched and couldn't find the answers.
Thanks in advance, HAPPY RAMMIN
Caleb Reese

Caleb,
I work in a Chrysler dealer and the 46RH is the same as a 518. I would agree with the other responses, leave it in OD, this trans will stay fairly cool. I would recommend a big cooler trans temp gauge and frequent changes.
Nacho



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[Archive]

I pull a 34 foot Avin triple axle. My temp never gets to 140 degrees. I use Amsoil ATF. No extra transmission fluid cooler.

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http:/coffeewithJesus. homestead.com/web1.html 89 1-ton, K&N, cleaned up exhaust, Dynomax straight-thru, rebuilt pump, intercooler, louvered fenders; 78 35'Avion. Jesus saves!

 

[Archive]

Thanks all for the info, must not be very many auto's out there. I already have all 3 transmission coolers so sounds like I am ready to tow and B. O. M. B. carefully. #ad

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HAPPY RAMMIN #ad

Caleb Reese

 

[Archive]

For what it's worth, last summer I towed a 28' 5th wheel slideout trailer about 4000 miles around BC, WA, OR and AB, OD engaged whenever I could get more than 45 mph. Strongely recommend a xmsn temp gauge. Even with an under the box cooler and fan, when hill climbing and the speed drops off, xmsn temp will start to climb way before the engine temp gauge moves. Shop that fitted my external cooler advised to keep the rpm up. When climbing, under 50 mph, no overdrive, under about 35, select 2nd. Truck and trailer combined weight is about 14,000lb and will average 15 mpg at 60 mph on the Interstate. As long as it's reasonably flat, I also engage cruise and monitor the boost gauge for engine power output. If the boost gets above about 8 lb, the xmsn will heat up quite quickly. After I replaced the original muffler onwards exhaust earlier this year, EGT dropped nearly 150 deg. while towing.
Cheers,
Ian.

'93 D250 3. 54 auto CC. Tacho, boost, EGT, Xmsn gauges, 3. 5 exaust, upgraded injectors, K & N filter, external xmsn oil cooler.


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Ian.

'93 2wd ext. cab. Upgraded injectors, 3. 5" exhaust, K & N filter, Xmsn oil cooler and fan, 4 gauge mount, lowered and widened mirrors

 

[Archive]

I've been using Amsoil ATF ever since it came out. It solved my Porsche's Sport-O-Matic overheating problems. My motorhomes never overheated a transmission, even pulling a trailer full of Harleys. I can pull uphill all day long and nver see 140 degrees, and I have NO extra coolers! Don't be fooled by Mobil-1 ATF. Read the fine print: 100% synthetic EXCEPT FOR BASE STOCK! Shoot that's 99% of the ATF!!!

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http://coffeewithJesus. homestead.com/web1.html 89 1-ton, K&N, cleaned up exhaust, Dynomax straight-thru, rebuilt pump, intercooler, louvered fenders, 93 aftermarket smoothe grille; 78 35'Avion. Jesus saves!