Need lockup in 1st & 2nd with Exhaust brake?

[GGibson]

I'm towing 9000#, '96 Auto 3. 54. Will be adding an exhaust brake in future. Do I need to get a valve body (will also be upgrading TC) that allows lock up in all forward gears or will a valve body locking only in 3rd and OD be good enough.



I've heard that quite a few guys towing around 9000# are quite satisfied on long 6% hills locking up in 3rd with exhaust brake. Assuming most hills are in the 6% range (I know there are the exceptions) it sounds like I would rarely need the 1 or 2nd lockup??



What does your experience say? Do you find yourself using 2nd lockup very often??

 

[cwsoules]

I have most of the DTT mods and one allows lock up in 2nd. I love it as when I'm towing at about 25 mph in 3rd the transmission temperature rises, but if I tow in 2nd locked up the transmission temperature is less. I also love it on a steep hill going up. Whith my exhaust brake on locked up in 2nd I get excellent braking down to 18 mph when 2nd unlocks. Call Bill K and ask him what he thinks.