Towing in O/D?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 71
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From: Joliet, IL
Towing in O/D?
Quick question everyone. I know having the O/D turned on during towing while on the streets is a big no-no. But, I have heard that once up to highway speeds, it's ok to switch the overdrive back on.
I got a bigger boat and plan on a few decent trips throughout the Midwest this summer. The total weight should be right around 6,000 give or take a few hundred with the boat and trailer. I have had some work done to the e34OD including: Kevlar clutches, steel planetaries, larger valve body with a higher pressure pump, as well as a much larger-than-stock trans cooler. Any help would be great since I plan on traveling between 60-65mph so RPMs might be an issue.
I got a bigger boat and plan on a few decent trips throughout the Midwest this summer. The total weight should be right around 6,000 give or take a few hundred with the boat and trailer. I have had some work done to the e34OD including: Kevlar clutches, steel planetaries, larger valve body with a higher pressure pump, as well as a much larger-than-stock trans cooler. Any help would be great since I plan on traveling between 60-65mph so RPMs might be an issue.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 173
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From: Lakewood, Washington
It all depends on the type of terrain I'm driving over when I have the 10,000 lbs 5th wheel hooked up. Previous to the Rosewood injectors I would have to turn it off on long grades, but that was a fuel issue and not the tranny. For the most part I rarely turn it off, but pay attention to the gauges. Turning the OD off would limit me to around 55 mph with the RPMs pushing over 2500. I do have a 4.10 rear end, so I can't speak for the 3.73 crowd.
Running at the speeds you stated in your post you need to leave it on. Not going to hurt it, and it sounds like you have done the necessary upgrades with a big tranny cooler. Make sure you have a gauge to monitor temps.
v/r
Vince
Running at the speeds you stated in your post you need to leave it on. Not going to hurt it, and it sounds like you have done the necessary upgrades with a big tranny cooler. Make sure you have a gauge to monitor temps.
v/r
Vince
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
There is no reason to turn the OD off unless the transmission is "hunting" for gears a lot. Aside from that and needing to keep the engine RPM up to keep from getting under the turbo there is no reason to take it out of OD. These trucks were built and geared for towing and OD was part of that equation. If you're concerned about it, get yourself a set of gauges and make sure transmission temp is one of them. That way you'll KNOW for sure how hard you're working the trans, but in general towing with the OD is just fine. Keep your right foot down and the shiny side up!
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 2,657
From: SE Florida
The only time you need to turn the OD off is when the trans is frequently shifting in and out of overdrive.
SPONSOR
Joined: May 2013
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I'd like to throw a suspension idea out there for you since you are towing a larger boat. Check out the Torklift International StableLoad. It is an affordable, easy DIY suspension upgrade that attaches to your existing overloads. It will significantly reduce side-to-side sway, bouncing and bucking you might experience while towing.
Enjoy your upcoming travels!
- Torklift Jen
Enjoy your upcoming travels!
- Torklift Jen
__________________
Torklift International – Towing, Suspension, Tie Downs, Steps
Call me direct: 1-800-246-8132
Visit our Blog: http://www.torklift.com/blog
Torklift International – Towing, Suspension, Tie Downs, Steps
Call me direct: 1-800-246-8132
Visit our Blog: http://www.torklift.com/blog
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
I tow 18K, when on a hill (mountain grade) and my speed drops from 70mph to 63, I push the button. When my speed then drops down to 50mph, I pull it into 2nd. Only once in my travels (ten years) have I had to drop it into 1st and that was because of a bad up pipe exhaust leak. Its all common sense, if its lugging or hunting, drop down a gear.
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