Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Towing with 1994 with overdrive

[SHinkamp]

I have a 94 pickup with push button overdrive and a 3. 54 rear end. I have a boat/trailer which weighs about 2000 pounds. The owners manual is kind of vague as to when you should lock out overdrive and tow without using it. It seems like I'm towing a light load but I know that the transmission is not as stout as it should be and can overheat. Should I lock out overdrive all the time or when I'm going up hill or something? The engine has no problem pulling uphill at 70 mph but I still worry about the transmission.



Campee

 

[MAleshire]

If you hava trans temp gauge that should be your source for determining whether to lock out overdrive. Also, EGT can be an indicator, because eventually the hot exhaust gases may increase trans temp.



Skip

 

[WilsonF]

I pull a 34ft TT with my 96 auto. I use OD when on the flats and small hills. I am over protective of my transmission so I could use OD more. I was with a friend when his Ford trans went out pulling a 5er in OD, So I am very careful.

Floyd

 

[KennethS]

A transmission Temp Gauge is the only way to go

I have a 95 Dodge and I pull a car trailer with my 39 Ford and it a bit heavy. I did have Dave rebuild the transmission and a Temp gauge is the only way to go so you know if you are overheating the transmission. When we cut the converter open ithad been overheated with hot spots all through it. The Dodge transmission are not as well built as they should be.

 

[mfburns]

I have a 94 with auto and I tow my 18 foot bow rider just like I commute to work. Set the cruise and run in overdrive. Leave the overdrive on unless you hit some hilly country and it keeps shifting, then lock it out. On the highway it runs like a champ in overdrive. I tow from Philly to upstate NY every year, 400 miles each way, no problems except when I hit the high peaks area in the Adirondacks. Set the cruise at 70 on the interstate and let 'er rip. No tickets, no problems.

 

[bjarp]

I have a 96 3500 2wd with 135K on it. I have had 2 diff 5th wheels since I have had this truck. I have pulled from 9500 to 11000 lbs. I never take it out of OD unless in a lot of hills and the rpms drop to much. I replaced the 1st tranney at 90,000. The new one has a shift kit with high performance torque conv. I have not had any problems with it. I change the fluid about every 25k to 30k miles.

 

[JHenry]

I doubt the 2000# load is significant unless you live in very mountainous country. I pull a combination boat/trailer that probably exceeds 2500# all the time without holding out of o/d. I also pull an 8'x18' flatbed trailer with 10000# of lumber quite frequently. Then I hold it out of o/d. JH

 

[Missouri Mule]

You shouldn't have a problem pulling 2 thousands pounds in overdrive unless your going up steep hills.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I tow a decent size TT with my '98 auto and 3. 54 gears. I leave OD off if I'm under about 58mph and let it rev, I don't like it to get under about 1700 RPM in OD otherwise EGTs skyrocket due to lugging, better to let it rev.

I think as long as you have the torque converter locked in OD you're not going to overheat it. The trans on my '98 is the original unmodified unit with 183,300 miles on it.

 

[Loren]

Campee,



I pulled much heavier loads than yours with my 1995 truck. The heaviest was a 14,000 pound fifth-wheel trailer. I used overdrive when I thought it was appropriate. Here's how to tell:



If your transmission is shifting back and forth, in and out of overdrive, turn overdrive off.



It's that simple.



If you allow the transmission to shift by itself from fourth (overdrive) into third (direct drive) the torque converter will not lock up in third. If you select OD OFF with the push button, then the torque converter WILL lock up in third. Locking the torque converter prevents slippage and results in lower transmission temperatures with corresponding lower wear and tear.



Good luck.