Towing and my auto trans

[WBissell]

Hello all. I just purchased a travel trailer that weighs maybe 6300 lbs fully loaded. I know that's nothing for these trucks to pull but I'm still concerned about my auto trans. My truck is a 92 extended cab, 4x4, with 3. 54's, 129,000 miles, banks stinger-plus kit. I'm planning on installing a mag-hytec transmission pan and temperature monitor and replace the fluid with Royal Purple but wanted to ask if it's really needed? Am I being overly concerned for nothing? Is switching to Royal Purple enough? Or do I even need to do anything?

I live in Washington State where there are several decent hills and mountains (6% - 8%) to pull to get anywhere. Recently I pulled a hill near my house that is 6% which I pulled at 30 mph (22lbs boost, egt 1100) and it seemed like the engine was revving a lot with not a lot of speed. I've heard this is normal in these non-lockup transmission's.

Also, since I don't have a lock-up torque converter, do I need to worry about towing on level ground (or slight inclines) with the OD engaged? I let the transmission downshift on it's own.

Thanks for your help.

 

[nps]

Now is the perfect time (using the new trailer as an excuse of course) to upgrade to a full DTT transmission, a 3K GSK, AFC tweak, plate, and all the other things to bump it up to 350-400HP. :-laf



Seriously, without a locking converter there isn't much that you are going to do to modify the towing behavior. Low temps is always good for an auto transmission. So is good fluid. I'd think you'd be better off with an aux transmission cooler before putting the $$$ into the Mag-Hytec (unless you are just looking at it to get a temp probe mount).

 

[RSeymon]

Greetings,



If it were me see my sig, I would just add the second cooler. That is what I have done to mine I am pulling more then you and have not had any issues as of yet knock on wood, Just take your time on the hills find the right gear (take it out of o. d. ) if need be and pull the hill. You might have to put transmission into 3rd on long steep hill. I don't think you need the deep pan at this point I would rather have the transmission gauge and pyro gauge and watch your temps.



Good luck and enjoy the trailer.



MR. Lucky

 

[jelag]

I agree with Mr Lucky..... All the pickups we run with automatics have an extra cooler and temp gauge..... we follow the temperature of the transmission oil closer than the EGT... . the transmission oil will break down fast if it gets hot.....