Well i have a 97 12valve auto, with a couple mods. But this weekend was really the first time i used it to pull a heavy load up steep grades. I was pulling a pickup that weighs around 5K on a flatbed pull trailer thats probably around 2K . on a coupke of the steep grades my truck was a turd! the temp got up around 230. oil light came on the dash. It seems like it has something to do with the auto trans cause when the TC locks up it pulls alot harder. So my questions are:

Are they supposed to get that hot?
does the auto really suck that bad pulling"?

I was thinking of doing a 5 speed swap if that will make the motor pull at its postential..

My dad was right behind me in his lifted 99 powerstroke pulling about the same weight. says he has no problems at all. running the ac too.

 

dependin on the mileage..

the tranny might be shot.. 7K behind a cummins shouldnt even be a load seriously. once u get them goin, especially with 4.10 gears u shouldnt even know its back there.... Ur TQ converter might be goin out.... its my guess but im a manual guy.. with a good clutch ive had no issues..

Rick

 

a built auto isn't bad, but if you are pulling trailers all the time then get a manuel. but if you wanna stay with the auto a triple loc TC and new valve body wouldn't be a bad Idea.