stock trans towing

[SRehberg]

I know it would be good to put all the toys in the trans for towing, but due to medical reasons, I am unable to do it at this time. I have a '96 with the 47RE 4:10 gears pulling about 8,000lbs of fifth wheel. This would be the first trip for this truck (48K on the odometer) and wantedt to take a trip of about 2500miles. After all the failures of transmissions, it makes me skittish. My previous truck had the trans modified (sig below) but I haven't been able to modify this one yet. I could take it to a shop, but $$ are somewhat of an issue at the moment. Basically, is anyone towing with the stock configuration and doing o. k. or ? I would like to have a new torque converter (upgrade) installed when I hit Canada, but that's about all for the budget for now.



Anyone towing stock and any tips would be appreciated.

 

[SEmerson]

It should be fine just do not abuse it. Also service it often. My 97 had 146k on it when I bought it. It was all stock. At 170k if bombed enought to need a new one.

 

[ndurbin]

It'll do fine. I just make sure to keep the RPMs over 1500 in OD.

 

[rrausch]

My '95 ran a stock Torque Conv. for 107,000 miles, some of that pulling a 5th wheel TT. But when the TC started to slip I went with a Perfomance Trans. Best thing I ever did to my truck!

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, it helps to know it should be able to do the trip without tearing itself up. I plan to have the trans serviced in the next week or so, then the pan can be inspected at the sametime. Hopefully just the usual residue, with no extra parts! It seems to shift fine, lockup is a little mushy but doesn't appear to slip. The mileage you guys were quoting seems a reasonable life for the trans especially towing. I have a bone stock truck so no bombs to worry about twisting parts in the trans. Thanks for the good news.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I had a '97 similar to your '96... 47RE with the 4. 10 ratio and no engine upgrades. I towed a 31' double slide-out Hitchhiker (20,000+ lbs gross combined vehicle weight) all over the western US without a problem for 70,000 miles.



All I did to the transmission was regular service using Mopar fluid and keeping the RPM up when towing in OD. Don't be afraid to turn off the OD and run the hills/passes in 3rd (direct) while listening to the engine noise... you will be doing the engine and transmission a big favor!



Bill

 

[Snow man]

your not showing any engine bombs in your sig,all the trannys that slip are behind bombed engines,and towing. If your engines stock ,you should be fine. With 4. 10 you will be able to tow easy n the RPM range in OD keep her over 1700 or so when pulling hard.

 

[Bob H]

Don't recall the years, but early trans had problems with some plastic fittings on oil lines. May want to check it out. Should have been fixed under recall

 

[SRehberg]

thanks everyone; the truck is bone stock with no bombs, but the trans does have the plastic quick connect lines that will be changed prior to going. I've read/heard of to many instances where the fittings let go and the trans was toast. The lines weren't cheap, but a LOT cheaper than the cost of a trans.



I'll keep the rpm's up and out of OD on the hills, so that way it keeps the pressures up. I'm just not use to the 4:10 gears and the rpm's the engine turns, so I'll have to adjust to that. I really appreciate the help on this.

 

[ndurbin]

Snowman: I'd have to say I'm the exception to that rule of slipping trannies and bombed trucks. My trans couldn't stand up to the stock motor. It had a rough life before I got it but still made it too 184,000 before it died (the first time).



Nathan

 

[Snow man]

i thought mine was bad it slipped with just an ez ,same day i installed it/empty,with 4. 10s

 

[SRehberg]

ndurbin, was that 184,000 on the original trans? If it was, that was exceptional mileage, and must not have seen to much pulling. Then snowmans trans started slipping right away with the EZ, so they must be somewhat at their max capacity from the factory.