I have a 94 F-250 SC LB 460 2x4 with an e40d. I am not sure when to turn overdrive off when hauling. Is there a general rule of thumb for that? If hauling only about 500-700 pounds in the bed is it okay to just leave o/d on the whole time? Thanks.

Greg

 

I have a 1992 f-150, 2x4, with an E4OD. I leave my truck in OD all of the time if I am hauling a load. When I say hauling I mean a load in the bed. Hauling 500 pounds should not affect it. The only time I lock out the OD is if I am towing my bigger trailer (2 1/2 tons) in hilly country. I find then that it is shifting a lot and you need to make certain that you anticipate the hills so it downshifts anyways if you do leave it in OD.

I must say though that that problem did improve some though after changing a couiple of sensors (coolant temp. and air intake temp.) and putting in a newer computer.

 

I guess the rule that I go by is if it is shifting a lot or lugging along in OD then you may want to lock out the OD and get the power that you need.

I have hauled loads the size that you indicate and had no issues with leaving it in OD.

 

Thanks 1992.

 

Okay awesome! If the F-150 takes care of it fine, the F-250 should be a breeze. Thanks again!

 

OD should be turned off when towing, hauling heavy loads, or when driving in hilly terrain. As it really only saves a few bucks on gas I go ahead and turn mine off in these conditions even though my trucks 460 will do the work in OD (unless I am at a constant speed on the freeway, in which case I will use the extra gear). My reasoning is that a few bucks on gas now is a lot cheaper than a transmission rebuild down the line due to unnecessary wear. Particularly on the torque converter. One of my favorite sayings when it comes to my vehicles is; An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Hope I helped.

...besides, it's kind of nice to hear that beast get over 2000 rpm every now and then... Mmmmm....