Torque Converter Lock-up Switch

[Six_Man_Diesel]

Is this hard on the transmission??? Does it really give you more power?? What are some thoughts on this method.



Thanks, Willie

 

[Dennis Garrett]

If you use your head, you can actually extend the life of the TC & transmission with the switch. You can eliminate the constant locking/unlocking in town by turning it off. You can eliminate the lock/unlock each time you hit the brake to turn off the cruise. You can get some engine braking out of it down to about 1,000 rpm even without an exhaust brake, and you can forstall lockup until conditions are right and YOU decide it's time for lockup. When YOU are ready for lockup to occur (not the computer) YOU can back off the power, lock, & re-apply power for much less wear & tear on the clutch. I like the 3-pos switch myself, mounted 1" below the trun sig. lever. With the switch all the way back, it's just like stock again. In the center"off" position, lockup will not occur, or if you're locked, you can move to center & unlock. When you're ready, move it from "off" to forward, and lock occurs. I drive it by the switch 100% of the time & tow quite a bit. I've got 150,000 miles now, 278 HP to the rear wheels, & no driveline problems so far. And, as you know, if OD is turned off, all the above works just as well in "D".

 

[Joe G.]

It's hard on the trans if you don't use it right. It does NOT increase your power. The reason for using a lock up switch is for an exhaust brake. If you lock up the torque convertor clutch (TCC) and stand on the loud pedal the TCC will eventually fail. Or if you tow on steep roads with it locked it will eventually fail. I have one on my truck to use with my exhaust brake. Since I have increased the power of my engine I have the lock up switch wired so that I can force an UNLOCK for hard acceleration or hard towing as well as a lock for the brake. If you would like to discuss it in detail PM or e-mail me.

 

[carson6]

Hey Joe.G.

Why no "smart box" if you run DTT??

 

[Joe G.]

The switch does the same thing and I'm used to it. The Smart Box works with the 47RE I believe. Not with the 47RH used in the '94 and '95. DTT has a device called a TC Saver for the 47RH. It's a better thing to use for most people, but I like the switch better because I have more control over what's happening.

 

[Reddog1]

Joe,



I am saving my alum cans for the DTT trans this summer.



I am wondering if I need to invest in the Smart Box, or go with a lock up switch?



I do have an exhaust brake.





Wayne

 

[Joe G.]

Wayne,



I use the lockup switch because I'm so use to it that I automatically avoid straining the TCC. The little push button on the floor helps a lot with that. If I stomp the loud pedal my left foot hits the unlock button at the same time. Same thing on hills, if I feel I'm using more throttle than is healthy for the TCC I step on the unlock button. I havn't used a Smart Box, but it does what I do automatically.