Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Towing Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
jspence105's Avatar
jspence105
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Towing Question

I remember hearing that our transmissions can have a tendency to spit out transmission fluid when backing up a grade. Does this really happen?

I've heard the solution to this is to use 4 low. Does this fix the problem? Is it safe to use 4 low on dry pavement when backing up your trailer?

Thanks for helping me with these questions I looked around a bit and couldn't find anything.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 12:23 PM
  #2  
Dan V's Avatar
Dan V
Lead Driver
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 893
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
Mark K will answer the technical. But what is happening is the slip of the fluid coupling in the torque converter causes the fluid to overheat (no airflow to cool anything) and the front seal gets overly supple from the heat, causing a leak. Cool it down, leak stops.

Some people do use 4L, manual hubs unlocked, to back into parking areas with.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
cjgray1974's Avatar
cjgray1974
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Chariton, IA
I use 4 low all the time, especially backing the hay trailer into the barn, but I leave my hubs unlocked. If you have auto hubs you could try it, but if you are getting the "wheel hop" while turning, I wouldn't use it.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 01:12 PM
  #4  
River19's Avatar
River19
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 768
Likes: 1
From: Live VT, Work MA
Originally Posted by cjgray1974
I use 4 low all the time, especially backing the hay trailer into the barn, but I leave my hubs unlocked. If you have auto hubs you could try it, but if you are getting the "wheel hop" while turning, I wouldn't use it.
Which is why a manual hub setup is perfect/preferred for this approach.

As Dan said, if Mark K pops in he will address any technical pieces but I remember him saying this approach effectively changes the ratio from 3.73:1 on a 3.73 rear to something like 13:1 or thereabouts.......this goes a long way to keeping the tranny in a happier place from what I believe I have read, but someone who actually knows the specifics will probably chime in.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 01:23 PM
  #5  
Smokiesman's Avatar
Smokiesman
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Bryson City NC
Originally Posted by cjgray1974
I use 4 low all the time, especially backing the hay trailer into the barn, but I leave my hubs unlocked. If you have auto hubs you could try it, but if you are getting the "wheel hop" while turning, I wouldn't use it.

I also use 4w lo to back up my 5ver . I have a slight uphill on my drive and the trans would always heat up fast! Now backing in 4 lo hubs unlocked is a breeze . Seems to have more control on backing and no heating up!

Smokie
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 02:32 PM
  #6  
jspence105's Avatar
jspence105
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Thanks guys, I have auto hubs so 4 low is a no, I used it yesterday and thought about if I should be using 4x4 on dry pavement.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2014 | 03:07 PM
  #7  
Studawg's Avatar
Studawg
Thread Ender
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 8
From: SC
Club FTE Silver Member

You can use 4x4 on dry pavement as long as you don't turn.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blanes
All Things Towing
7
Mar 4, 2018 01:23 PM
cals400ex
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
Jan 7, 2008 08:00 PM
JBronco
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
7
Jan 24, 2005 04:05 PM
grtF250
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
10
Jun 4, 2004 11:37 PM
sbieshelt
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Jun 3, 2003 10:08 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:46 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE