holding back and autotrans

[RichB59]

My question involves driveing my automatic. Is it an acceptable practice to use 2nd to hold back when going down hill. Sometimes on long winding uphill roads I will also use second to keep transmission from searching for a gear. I don't want to do any damage to the transmission so could use some advice. Thanks in advance.

Rich

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20yr Mopar Parts Manager,"June of 2000" 2001 quad cab,2wd,auto,354 LSD rear axle,Raven Magnum 8' cap. Mag Hitech trans pan. Isspro gauges Apillar mount. Amsoil air filter.

 

[Rambling]

Rich,
Is that one or two questions in your post. Going uphill in second shouldn't be a problem.

As for going down hill and using second for engine braking, how long you can use 2nd depends on the duration needed, the load and grade of the hill. Without the TC locked up, an extended period may cause the transmission fluid to overheat.

Hopefully, one of the experts will set us both straight if I've got it wrong. #ad


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<font color=#990000>~<font color=#990000> '99 2500 SLT <font color=#990000> ~ QC ~ 4X4 ~ LB ~ Auto ~ 4:10 LSD ~
<font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> BD E-brake<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> BD Autolock<font color=#00000> *<font color=#990000> Gear Vendor OD<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Bullhide spray-in Line <font color=#000000> *
<font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> GPS-Garmin III+ w/Laptop Software <font color=#000000> *<font color=#990000> Jordan Ultima 2020 T-brake <font color=#000000>*<font color=#990000> 2k Komfort 24' 5'er - 9. 7 GVWR <font color=#000000> *
<font size=-2>... Keep on Rammin'! You'll love the way it feels!! #ad
... <font size=-1>

[This message has been edited by Rattlin (edited 03-31-2001). ]

 

[Tom W]

Rich, I found a little trick that is helpful if the hills are not too steep and your speed is over forty mph. Use your cruise control, turn the OD off and set the speed as low as possible. The torque converter will remain locked up and you will get engine back pressure. Of course if you have to hit your brakes the cruise control will go off and the TC will unlock. As I said this only works on slight grades if you are towing. Unloaded you will be surprised how much it will hold you back.
Hope it helps, Tom

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, 275 injectors, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Smartbox, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake, Bilsteins.

 

[NWright]

Come August I will know more and unless I find out different I will do as the owners manual say. On page 131 it tells you to. It reads do not exceed 42 miles per hour in 2 nd gear nor 25 mph in first gear. It said nothing about duration of climb or decend.
As you will see in my signature I added a exhaust brake and gauges just in case and for reference
Nathan

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Nathan Wright

2001. 5 2500 QC auto 355 4" from Resonator back,TORO-Line gauges,D-Celerator exhaust brake, Tool box with a 24 gal tank under it, 2meter and CB radio ,GPS III, 5000 watt generator. Pull a 30 ft Shadow Cruiser 5th wheel and a 18 ft bass boat.

 

[Sky]

I asked bill about shifting down into second to slow u down. He said its BAD, and brake pads are cheap. Hope this helps.



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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N, 33" BFG AT'S... ... .....

 

[NWright]

Bill may be right but while it is still under warrantee I will find out if the book is right. I had a 1984 motorhome gasser with an auto and I used 1 st and 2nd all the time when I was in the mountains up and down. The only reason I put the exhaust brake on this truck is because I was told that the diesel wouldn't hold you back as good as the gasser. I was also told that the exhaust brake would work good as long as you keep the RPM's at about 2000 I don't know!
Nathan

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Nathan Wright

2001. 5 2500 QC auto 355 4" from Resonator back,TORO-Line gauges,D-Celerator exhaust brake, Tool box with a 24 gal tank under it, 2meter and CB radio ,GPS III, 5000 watt generator. Pull a 30 ft Shadow Cruiser 5th wheel and a 18 ft bass boat.

 

[RichB59]

Thanks for the help. What I usually do going down hill is use second for a minute or two just to get a few mph lower and then put it back in drive. I also use the the brake to slow down 5 mph and then let it build back the 5mph and then repeat the process. I feel this is easier on the brakes and lets them cool a little.

Rich