I'm just about ready to buy a 2005, 3500, single wheel, w/auto trans. Having logged 2,000,000 driving truck I want to become shiftless. What is the deal on the auto trans not locking out of O/D? Will it not hold while decending a hill? Will it hold in the next lower gear? Any help appreciated.

 

yes in tow haul mode it will hold gears untill you hit about 1000 rpm then let go. It will downshift to a certain point but definately not as aggressive as the ford's tow haul. But it definately helps!!!

 

being that you are an avid truck driver like myself I thaught you would like to know that the stick can come with a jake brake from the factory if properly ordered!!!!

 

Thanks for the info. Guess I''ll keep researching until buy/order day. Any comments from you auto trans. folks?
Hwy underwoodtransp your still not tired of self selecting those gears? Guess I've become a woos. The jake idea does sound good. If I go auto I'll just have to J.B. Hunt it down the hills.

 

I agree with the knowing on how it works. I currently do not tow anything and driving this auto (2005) around town drives me up the wall. It feels more like a 6 speed sometimes as it shifts all around most of the time. Even using the Tow/Haul mode it only makes it last longer in each gear and then a quicker shift. I miss my 1st gen's DTT built tranny. You knew what gear it was in and what it would do when you press the GO pedal. This one seems to jump around trying to find a gear as I watch the rpms go up, then down, then up, then finally settle in and off I go. It happens fast still but it drvies me up the wall. So I don't think it is the tranny's fault, I just do not know how these Lockup tranny's work. But honestly, I can see that they would be good for towing, I just never tow.

I will figure it out some day as I put more mileage on the truck, only 2500 miles for now.

 

I talked to my Dad on the phone last night and he and Mom are in Abilene, TX on their way to CA pulling their 5er. So far, Dad really likes the way the trans is performing. He had the 47re in his 2000 V-10 and this is his first diesel, so it's hard for him to make a good comparison between the 47re and the 48re, but he does know the changes that were made and he has rode in my 99.
He was telling me,,,,, "I know now what you mean about that low end torque!" He said there has been no "gear hunting" or excessive shifting and it holds very good on the downhills. I was skeptical about the new shifting 48re and I still don't know if I would care for not being able to lock-out 4th like I've been used to with my 99,,,,,,,,,,,, but so far,,,,,,,,, Dad is real happy with it.
They left VA last thursday with 500 miles on it (he said he ran between 60-65mph the first day and 65-70 since) and he is still seeing at least 14mpg towing this.