Pulling with auto in 2003 HO

[JFreeman]

I was wondering if anybody is having any problems with the automatic behind the HO motor. Will be pulling a 13,000 pound fifth wheel. I have never owned an automatic, but the truck will be for the wife and she cant drive a standard. Did they do anything to beef up the transmission.

 

[Fireman]

Yes it is a stronger transmission. I don't know about the longivity, but I use to tow with a 47re and had no problems. I was very careful to try not to overheat. The only thing I can add is that due to the higher final ratio of the overdrive I would recomend 4:10 gears with a load like that. I know alot of people will disagree, but if I had of had 4:10s in my last truck I would still be driving an auto.



FWIW

Fireman

 

[HEYBOSS]

Most definitely would go with 4. 10's with the auto, it will pull a lot better. I've read some posts/articles with a lot of guys pulling with the old automatics without a problem. What kills the auto is when you start to increase hp. If you leave it stock and perform regular maintenance you won't have a problem plus the 03 is a much better transmission.



One thing for sure shortens transmission life is heat, if you're not going to Bomb at least add a trans temp gauge that way you can keep an eye on it.

 

[pwr2tow]

I totally agree with the 4:10 gears behind the automatic transmission. To tow properly in OD you need at least 260-270 RW Hp with automatic which is where the HO should be so it would be anyones call as to which gear ratio but I would still get the 4:10's



The 48RE is suppose to be a beefed up 47RE transmission, to what extent I have no idea.



Ron

 

[JFreeman]

How many rpms will i be doing at 70 miles per hour with the 4. 10 rearend and the automatic. I had a 6 speed with 4. 10 gears, and you sure dont have much top end, also not as good of mileage.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

2150 RPMs @70 MPH with my 2002.

 

[SEmerson]

Many people well disagree but... ..... I believe in 3. 55 or in the 03 case 3. 73 and beef up the trans and engine. I have no problems pulling anything in overdrive with 3. 55's. My only problem is engine temp on a long grade. And I still get great mileage and top speed.

 

[TowPro]

My 02 auto with 4:10's is around 200 rpm higher in OD at all speeds then my 98 5 speed with 3:55's was when it was in OD. The Auto has a taller OD then the manuals do.



Plus the 02 is a dually and the tires are taller from the factory.

Originally posted by JFreeman

How many rpms will i be doing at 70 miles per hour with the 4. 10 rearend and the automatic. I had a 6 speed with 4. 10 gears, and you sure dont have much top end, also not as good of mileage.

 

[JFreeman]

I went ahead and bought an 04 2wd 3500 with automatic and 3. 73 rearend. I will have to pull with it and see if it has enough gear. If not i will swap in a 4. 10 gear. This is the first auto i have owned, any recomendations on transmission fluid and transmission temp guages.

 

[TowPro]

If its like the 2002 (and older version), just keep in mind the trans has no cooling when its in park. After I back my 5er into a spot, I let the truck sit in N for a minute or 2 with the engine running to bring trans temps back down to normal.



(just remember to put on the E-brake)

 

[pwr2tow]

The 04's require synthetic +4 trans fluid, expensive, a few other companies carry the +4 and is less expensive than the DC stuff.



Check the TDR magazine for gauges and mounting options.



Did you get the standard output engine or the High output engine?



Ron

 

[CPritchett]

I have the 3. 73 with the ho 48re and a transmission guage, and most of the time it runs on 140 degrees pulling my 30' 5th wheel in overdrive. The hottest it has ever been is 170 degrees for a short while in very heavy traffic for about 30 miles. As soon as I got back in overdrive it cooled right down to 140 again. The engine has only run barely past the half way mark on the guage in heavy pulling and then cools down to just under the half way mark. I was on the Indian Nations Turnpike in Oklahoma last weekend and the speed limit is 75 and my truck ran extremely smooth at 70-75. I don't normally run this fast but there was almost no traffic and it just wanted to run 75 at about 2100 rpm.

 

[CPritchett]

I have the 3. 73 with the ho 48re and a transmission guage, and most of the time it runs on 140 degrees pulling my 30' 5th wheel in overdrive. The hottest it has ever been is 170 degrees for a short while in very heavy traffic for about 30 miles. As soon as I got back in overdrive it cooled right down to 140 again. The engine has only run barely past the half way mark on the guage in heavy pulling and then cools down to just under the half way mark. I was on the Indian Nations Turnpike in Oklahoma last weekend and the speed limit is 75 and my truck ran extremely smooth at 70-75. I don't normally run this fast but there was almost no traffic and it just wanted to run 75 at about 2100 rpm.