Towing and Overdrive

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Dec 21, 2005 | 08:40 PM

ealbertson

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Towing and Overdrive

I have a 97 Crewcab four wheel drive Powerstroke with the E40D automatic transmission. Is it okay to tow in overdrive or should I avoid this? Total weight on the bed and trailer is about 9000 lbs.

Thanks, Ed

Dec 21, 2005 | 08:58 PM

mjwhip2

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From: West Haven, UT

I haven't had any problems towing in overdrive. As long as your tranny isn't searching for a gear you shouldn't have any problems.

Dec 22, 2005 | 06:19 PM

jimkidd

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From: Greater Floyd Area, AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by ealbertson

It depends on how much you are towing. You might look at getting a trany temp guage.

Dec 22, 2005 | 06:52 PM

fishmanndotcom

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From: Senoia, GA

what you need to look for is if your tranny is shifting in and out of gears constantly it'll create lots of heat and begin burning the oil which cause some serious problems. install a tranny temp and keep an eye on it but yes it is very possible to run OD. although you can pretty much predict when you will need to cut out the OD. anytime you start running up any kind of grade or you feel the truck start to slow

-cutts-

Dec 22, 2005 | 06:57 PM

DaBigTow

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From: Pasco, WA

I tow anything from 2k utility trailers to 16k monster RVs all over the country. I'm in OD almost all the time. In hills, I lock OD off if the terrain looks like it would cause downshifting until I clear the grade & get back up to 60mph. Note, however, that I run a pair of 25k trans coolers. You must have at least one of those before you do any serious towing. And, in agreement with jimkidd, I strongly suggest that you get a trans temp guage. Anything over 225 degrees will severely shorten the life of the tranny juice. It'd also be a good idea to change the juice, including the torque converter, every 30k miles or so, if you tow a lot.