Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Really wish I had 1 more gear for highway

[BLassiter]

Under full load such as 8000-10k in a gooseneck trailer, I always am in O/D while trying to get on the highway and then reach around 55mph, wrong place to really drive high RPM's when on an ON RAMP. I end up getting up to around 50mph and letting totally off the gas and then taking it out of O/D before putting the pedal down. I was wondering if there are any problems in the way I am doing this to get my speed up or if its really rough on my truck. . Thanks.

 

[EricBu12]

I don't have an automatic but What my dad used to do with his motorhome was run the gears like a manual. when getting on the ramp, use like 2 or 3 or whatever, then up to drive (lockout), then hit the O/D... sorta makes like a 4 speed Manual and you don't have to get off the go peddle.

 

[Missouri Mule]

You should have o/d turned off when pulling that much weight. Turn it on once you have reached your desired speed after you get on the highway. It will make it easier on your engine and trans.

 

[Nate]

When I pull heavy, I usually put it in 2nd gear until the rpms are high enough for drive, and I have O/D off. I put O/D on when I get up to 60-65mph.

 

[GCULP]

I'm confused, it sounds like you're having problems with over revving the engine, you say "wrong place to really drive high RPM's when on an ON RAMP" yet you're in overdrive? If I'm reading it right, it sounds like your transmission is slipping and you have to let off to allow the torque converter lock up. If that is the case, you may want to invest in an overhaul, or hold each gear and shift it manually like the others suggested.

 

[BLassiter]

My fault, I was confusing myself after re-reading my post, I have O/D Off and only get up to like 55mph before she'z pumping really high RPM's, never the less I am still letting off before I click to put O/D on. I had my wording mixed up.

 

[GCULP]

OK, sounds better, but what kind of RPM are we talking about, what year of truck, what rearend gears do you have? A friend of mine will haul his trailer with O/D off up to 60 mph, so accelerating to 55 doesn't sound too bad.

 

[BLassiter]

Probably around 3500+ RPM I will double check next time I'm in there. Its a 98. 5. And yes when you get to around 60, it just sounds like its winding out and not pulling much anymore.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Ouch, Edge with Attitude. You guys think it's slipping?:{

 

[GCULP]

HHHMMMM!!, sounds kind of high, but with a load like that and an automatic it may not want to shift up without letting up on the go pedal like you mentioned. Personally I wouldn't run it much higher than about 2800 to 3000 tops, you might have some slippage. that's about all I can offer, you might try calling one of the supporting vendors like Power by Poole or Rip at Source Automotive, or a transmission shop that specializes in automatics and diesels. Best of luck to ya.

 

[Grizzly]

I know not everyone likes manual transmission and not everyone can physically handle one, due to bad knees and such. For towing heavy, it's hard to beat a 6 speed. Having said that, the new 6 speed auto, 68RE sounds good.