2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission OD while pulling a trailer off or on

[Grit1762]

Hi everyone this is my first post but I have been browsing the forum for a while. I am new to dodge diesels. I recently bought a 97 it has 86000 on it, auto transmission. I got the truck to
occasionally pull a trailer with. If I turn the overdrive off the rpm's run at around 2400 at 65 mph and with the od on rpm's run around 2100 at 80 mph. Should I turn the od off when pulling a trailer and stick to a lower speed or leave it on.
Thanks

 

[B.G. Smith]

Welcome to the forum. I would say if the trailer is larger than something hauling a 4-wheeler you would be best to turn OD off bg.

 

[Grit1762]

Thanks. It is a 24' gooseneck with usually 8 to 10 thousand lbs.

 

[cerberusiam]

Run it in OD, that is what they are meant for. Until you push up to around 30k GCVW the OD is fine. You might want a shift kit to make things a bit more bullet proof but with that weight it should be fine.

As long as the apply pressures stay up at the cruising rpms you are good for more than your GCVW will be.

 

[SAndreasen]

I don't know what your rig ways but that puts me at about 25000 gvw I think I would not run od on a stock trans i don't use od in my 5 speed when I'm that heavy

 

[DavidC]

I run with OD unless I start losing momentum On grades.

Dave

 

[Road Dog]

The first two things you need to know are exhaust temperature and transmission temperature. I keep my exhaust temp under 1,200F and transmission under 200F. Most of my driving involves mountain roads so I'm rarely over 60mph. I spend a lot of time with the OD off. The TC will only lockup in 4th (OD). If you turn off the OD then it will lockup in 3rd. I have 3.55 gears which is fine for daily driving but not great when loaded.

 

[phantomusa]

I use to pull a enclosed 44 ft car hauler and always used OD unless I'm pulling on steep inclines....Most auto transmissions will down shift or upshift as needed and once your at highway speed just about all US roads don't have steep inclines on major highways

 

[IdahoJim]

The first two things you need to know are exhaust temperature and transmission temperature. I keep my exhaust temp under 1,200F and transmission under 200F. Most of my driving involves mountain roads so I'm rarely over 60mph. I spend a lot of time with the OD off. The TC will only lockup in 4th (OD). If you turn off the OD then it will lockup in 3rd. I have 3.55 gears which is fine for daily driving but not great when loaded.

Count me in with Road Dog. The big issue with the automatic is keeping the RPM's, when towing, above 1600. That keeps the pressure high on the TC Lockup clutch. I turn my OD off and on to suit the
situation I'm in.
Jim