Hello & Thank you in advance!

I have a 2006 Mark LT 4x2, 5.4 V8....here is the situation..

In Los Angeles we have a lot of multi story parking structures with speed bumps....I typically place the truck in 1st, maintaining a speed of 5-8 mph to travel up and down in the structres (which I visit often)....to avoid the constant shifting of the trans (1-2) and use of the brakes (the speed bumps are not of a DOT approved type and typically require reducing speed to almost zero).

Here is the question.....

My neighbor (a mechanic) is suggesting this is "hard" on the tranny and could/will reduce the life of the 1st gear components, IMHO, I think the opposite......and the winner is..............

 

Nope your neighbor is wrong. When the selector is in 1st the low/reverse band is applied in addition to the low one-way clutch, that's why you have engine braking in manual 1st. When in drive only the low one-way clutch holds for first gear. Manual 1st is stronger than 1st gear in drive.

 

Thank you...I figured auto's haven't changed in that manner in the past 40 years or so......it may generate a little higher oil temps but the absence of braking and the tranny shifting 1-2 & 2-1, is surely a "better thing"

He's young & trying hard (the neighbor mechanic)

 

Putting the selector in 1-3 also remaps the throttle. You get approx 50% of normal throttle, but the gain is turned way up. Much more sensitive and ability to fine tune speed/power to wheels


But yeah, putting her in first does no harm.

 

Thank you!

 

Using tow/haul if you have it would be similar.