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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

You can use 4x4 on dry pavement as long as you don't turn.