Hey, ya'll. Shacked up for the night here in Salem, IL. We're about 2/3 through a heavy haul from Slidell, LA to southwest MI. Loaded down with an '03 Mustang GT, engine hoist, and a few hundred pounds of tools and fuel, the ol' 351 is absolutely making this trip it's bitch! I had my concerns with the transmission being able to handle the job, but with some careful manipulation of the O/D lockout, we pulled it pretty good through the hills of MS, and southern IL. Last mileage check turned in 11.6 mpg!!! Anyway, enough bragging on my truck, let's hear what kind of towing ya'll are doing these days.

 

That' great, just take your time.

 

If you made it to Salem the rest of the trip is a breeze, you can probably let it go back into overdrive now as there won't be many hills left on your journey.
I would venture into Indiana towards Indianapolis and head north rather than continue on through IL. I've heard the traffic can really suck around ****cago.

 

Yes sir, it was in overdrive 99% of the trip, only coming up to speed and climbing a few long passes did I take it out. Truck made it, all 1,000+ miles without any issue. I would definitely recommend to pass thru Chicago outskirts way early or after 9am. It was a breeze at around 10am. After this, I'm really starting to wonder how much life this e4od has left! It was dead consistent the whole trip.

 

I am from the Detroit area, and used to live in Indianapolis, Louisville and now TX. I drive back to Mi regularly and I can say conclusively, stay away from I94 around Chicago. Just say No. Its better to go up through Kokomo than do the Chicago 94 mess. I promise.