Would have done a search but it isn't working right now.


Tell me if I have this right, I can pull in OD no matter what the weight as long as the OD is holding and not shifting in and out right? I have been pulling cattle a lot lately and the weight as been around 18k-20k and the OD holds great but is this a mistake?

 

according to the dealers service guys around here yah don't wanna pull in OD even if it isn't hunting but there are many many opinions on this. sit back and wait for the replies cause they will come lol

 

Do it. Just be sure that you don't let the rpm get below about 1500. You might want to boost the line pressure a little.

 

check your owners manual, it even states as long as it's not hunt for a gear leave it in OD.

 

Most trannys will down shift when RPM'S drop....I pull heavy trailers too and leave it in O/D unless I'm in hilly driving conditions....The important thing to remember is to keep the engine from lugging if you start going in and out of O/D then its time to unlock O/D
Many times I'm faced with a long upgrade from a stop...I will start out then lock my converter in with my lockup switch this way I can grain speed faster for the up coming hill...I keep my tranny locked in until I stop gaining speed...the tranny can then downshift as needed to finish climbing the hill
The beauty of these automatic trannys is they will automatically shift to the needed gear without driver actions needed
I do unlock my tranny while driving in town under 45 MPH this helps keep the tranny fluid cooler...which brings up another point of controlling tranny fluid temps a gage is important if your pulling heavy loads....hot fluid is the fastest way to destroy your tranny so being able to know its temp becomes important on your part to keep fluid temps within operating range....many times I've needed to pull over and cool down my tranny fluid temp before going on
A upgraded tranny will improve your towing ability too I upraded my torque converter and installed a Trans-Go shift kit which made driving a delight with heavy loads

 

Listen to Pappyman,

My dad tows 17,500 behind his dually all the time in OD, with no problems. I tow 14,000 behind mine.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

4.10 or 3.55 ?

 

3.55

 

Go on and tow........unless it hunts you're OK, if tranny gets hot it will downshift by itself and cool down