I have a 2004.5 4x4 dually auto with a 4.10 axle truck that is all stock I live up a pretty steep hill and when I tow my 40ft (15000lb) trailer up the hill I have to get a really good run and right near the top it seems to be in second gear and lugging almost to a stop.

Can I use the shifter to drop it into first under this load? I haven't tried just using first the whole way up the hill.

Thanks

 

I'd put it in first the whole way up so it never shifts out.

 

Yeah, you can downshift, just let off the throttle. It should kick down on its own, tho.

It is an auto, right?

 

It is a auto 4 speed.
When it is barely moving it sutters like it wants to go in first (or tranny slip) but never does. At least I hope its not in first. I'll try first gear the whole way this weekend. I just can't get the run (speed) I am use to. Also, if I have to back down it's a good .5 miles with curves. So it wouldn't be fun.

Thanks
Mike

 

Ummm, you have a fuel delivery or other problem that is causing this.

There is NO WAY you should be lugging the truck down with that load. It should be spinning the engine right thru the TC and not lugging.

 

What kind of grade?? 4.10 you should have plenty of pull. Put it in second before you start and it will lock the TC and you should be able to rip up the hill. You could also have a fueling issue as said before, when was the last time you changed your fuel filter??

 

a shudder or hunt between 1st and 2nd sometimes indicates a bad shift press. solenoid in the tranny, same thing happened to my 48re auto.

 

I 2nd changing the fuel filter...

 

The hill is probably a 20+% grade.

I did change me fuel filter about 6 months ago. I 'll change it again.

I don't expect to fly up the hill pulling 15000lbs I just want to make it without burning up the transmission. It is still under warrenty so I might take it in and complain it doesn't shift down to first under load.

Thanks for the help

Mike

 

You need to change your filter preferably every 7-10 k on the stocker. If the grade is steep I wouldn't try shifting into anything while ascending, do what you will before you get to the hill. How many miles on the 48re? Maybe time for some servicing?