lockup torque converter or not???
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Don't know any way to turn the torque converter lockup on and off easily by itself, but if you're refering to the OverDrive 4th gear on/off button feature, I tow most of the time with the overdrive OFF, 3,500 lb trailer.
When it's below 70d F, no headwind, and flat highway, I will leave it in overdrive. The Coast feature in the tranny is turned off with the OD is turned off so there is engine braking going down hill in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears (D).
When it's below 70d F, no headwind, and flat highway, I will leave it in overdrive. The Coast feature in the tranny is turned off with the OD is turned off so there is engine braking going down hill in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears (D).
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
From: northwest
I tow with no OD also. i think it bogs down the motor too much. going up hills the tranny drops down to 2nd anyways. I pull a 3200 pound trailer with my 4.0 no problem with the overdrive turned off.
be sure to add a tranny cooler at least. I added a 12000 lb cooler inline with the 2 coolers the aerostar came with. my tranny stays nice and cool.
be sure to add a tranny cooler at least. I added a 12000 lb cooler inline with the 2 coolers the aerostar came with. my tranny stays nice and cool.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Originally Posted by obars
Can you pull at highway speeds (70mph) with overdrive dissengaed??
3.53 gears yes if drive train will stand up to the load.
4.10 gears= high rpm
GVTW=?
Watch engine and tranny temperature. check fluids often. only takes a few minutes to cook tranny or engine, buy the time it smells, it's TOAST.
Towing here on the freeways out of right lane even at 70 mph plus just invites passing and crazy rage driving in the speed nuts.
Used to drive a '70 Thunderbird with 429 ci 420 hp SJ engine, would tow a 25' travel trailer at 110 mph plus on desert freeway at night, still had crazys try to pass.
If you can find a way to switch lockup on while towing, might be worth to try. Should be less tranny heat since torque converter is not torque multipling with increased fluid pressure. Will put additional work load on engine because of lose of converter fluid "gearing", will be "direct drive"
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Jul 25, 2005 at 02:58 PM.
