Towing with an automatic transmission question

[Prostock]

I have noticed with my 94 auto that when I use the o/d lockout button at highway speeds (55 - 60) they truck doesn't feel like it has near the power it does when I have the lockout turned off. If I hit the O/D button when starting to climb a hill, it feels like I have thrown out an anchor.



If I leave it in OD, it seems to pull fine without lugging.



I pull a car trailer that loaded is about 5,000 pounds.



It often doesn't downshift when climbing hills unless my speed drops or the hill is steep, and doesn't seem to be lugging. Also, my EGT's have never gone above 1,000.



Am I hurting my truck by driving it like this? If I should be using the lockout button, it will be awfully disappointing because the truck just doesn't seem to make power with it off, and seems to run fine with it on.

 

[Joe G.]

You are probably ok with your stock truck. If you BOMB it any you run the risk of tearing up the TCC. I have a three position "mystery" switch on mine. I like to tow with it in OD with the TCC unlocked unless on flat highway where I let it lock up in OD. My trailer is about 7500 lbs. In the hills I lock out the OD and use my exhaust brake.

 

[Eric_77]

Do you have gauges?



In my 96 I lose boost at about 55 mph rather quickly and can only run 60 max loaded/unloaded in third.



I cannot figure out how to get speed up high enough so that when truck shifts into fourth it is above 1700rpm as 60/3rd/2200rpm=60/4th/1600rpm

 

[Prostock]

Yes, I have gauges (Boost and EGT)