I'm wondering about the experiences of those running the 2003-4 CTD with a 48RE in the mountains.

Are the splits between 2-3-OD workable or do the new trucks lose to many RPMs in the 3-2 shift to hold reasonable speeds.

Also, when decending major hills how does the auto work to hold speed down. Will the TC lock in 2nd gear to help hold speed?

 

I should add that I'm looking at pulling a 5th wheel at 14,000 lbs. GCWR will be near 22,000 lbs.

 

Between Anchorage and Kenai we have mountain driving that can put a truck to the test...especially if your ascending or descending Turnagin Pass. My '03 CTD does a fantastic job and the 48RE takes it like a champ. Previously I had owned an '02 CTD with the 6-speed (a great manual tranny) and was concerned about how the 48RE would handle the pass...needless to say, it performs flawlessly.

With that said, if I was doing alot, and I mean alot, of mountain driving and towing substantial loads, I'd opt for the 6-speed with a factory jake brake. That would be the cat's meow for such a large amount of towing but for what I used the truck for towing my trailer and machinery, I've found the 48RE to handle it just fine with my loads so to each their own.

If it were me, I'd do it all over again and buy a 48RE as I've been very pleased with mine. Granted, the longevity of the 48RE has yet to be proven but it's a fact that the auto trannies won't last as long as a manual.

 

Check with BANKS Power http://www.bankspower.com/index.cfm
they say that they have a New Banks Brake for the auto tranny if you really want one and they also have the Smart Lock Trans Brake that should help also

 

Just returned from a quick trip up in the mountains for a morning mule deer hunt...Although I was only pulling a 2 place trailer with 2 4 wheelers, which is only maybe 1800lbs, the 48RE worked great.

I can't get over the power of this truck. I flew up the hiway at 70mph in OD and I wasn't even working this thing. My previous 5.3L GMC 1500 would drop down to 3rd and have to pull @ 4500 rpm and only go 65 mph max up the same hills with the same load. And that was with a hi perf intake & exhaust system.

Coming back down the mountainous hi-way, I didn't notice anything unusual. I'd let off the throttle & and the speed would slow down as I remember. I really wasn't paying much attention; to busy talking. I certainly didn't have any type of run away condition. On the other hand, if I was going to pull 22K, I'd install an exhaust brake for sure. That's a lot of weight when coming down a steep grade. It would certainly add some piece of mind for me...