I have the 2004.5 dodge ram diesel with 4speed auto. I tow a 10,000lb camper but I usually use tow/haul button which keeps it OUT of overdrive. Is this right? will out torques lockup in 3rd or only in overdrive? Also if i use overdrive (4th) will it lock up or only on level ground and if not what damage will a torque lock switch do?

 

any1? from what i gathered if you install a switch and engage it to lock torque you can cause alot of stress on clutch packs or torque lock if you have to much load.

 

Well im no expert BUT i'll chime in anyways. A lot of guys put in the lock up switch for sled pulling which i know it isnt what your after here but obviously it helps them pull a sled. As far as being hard on the transmission I would think you would be ok as long as you werent playing around with it locked up and allowing it to shift locked up w/o a billet input shaft or other upgraded parts (such as a TC). I'm not sure but i dont think the TC will lock up until OD maybe someone who really knows can let us know.

 

Hi I have a 2005 3500 i have the torque lock. It is set at around 30mph to lock the converter up. I pull a 30 foot goose neck with two offroad toys
in all the truck and trailer and toys weigh 22,000 lbs i have no problem with the tranny. Far as the tow/haul button all it does is change shift points does not disengauge overdrive only on older dodges. If i had to do it over i would get the ats brand. My freind has it on his truck and it adjustable instead on one setting. I hope this info helps you out.

 

I was thinking of doing this myself.

 

The TC locks in drive and OD both. You should be able to lock out OD and force lockup of the TC in drive, and, leave it in OD and force lockup.

In either one you will get no downshift unles the VB is modified. Thats where you can get in trouble and toast the trans. If you force TC lock and your pressures are too low it will slip the TC. Too much of that and the trans is done. If you are using a lockup switch for towing you had better shift kit the VB or get an custom one to handle the TQ.

The trans will stand about 200 ft lbs of TQ more than stock with only a shift kit and a little common sense. Ignore one or both and the trans life is limited.

 

I have the mystery switch. before I added the switch you can install a light that lets you know when the TC is locked. After about a week I went ahead and added the switch.

There is a speed when towing slowly under 55 that you might want to use the switch to keep the trans cool ( intown) and sometimes in the mountains you may want to use the switch to help engine braking. You do not use it often but if you get in heavy traffic it can help but do not forget to turn it off before downshifting or stopping.