Trans shifting while towing

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Jun 29, 2008 | 09:19 AM

ramrod7373

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Redding, Ca USA

Trans shifting while towing

While towing my 26' travel trailer in the mountains last week I noticed that when going up hill the trans didn't want to down shift into 2nd until I hit 45-mph.I would stay around 48-52 mph going up a steep grade and the truck was putting out some black smoke. Is it ok to manually shift it down into 2nd? The tranny was rebuilt 4 yrs ago by a local shop and only has 30k on it. The only other thing is that when you are driving it around 45 mph it wil act like it can't make it's mind about shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Other than that it runs great and shifts fine. It is a 95 F250 PSD.
P.S. I just had the tranny serviced and the tranny shop said everything looked good

Jun 29, 2008 | 10:32 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: SE Florida

Yes, you can manually shift the trans. That's why there is a "2" position on the shifter.

Jun 29, 2008 | 10:50 AM

79_250RangerLariat

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Where were your rpm's at? 95 is an E40D right? 45 sounds high for 2nd gear.. I'd stick a trans temp gauge on asap if your running the mountains.

Jun 29, 2008 | 11:19 AM

57bob

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Hi, I'm also having thoughts about my trans. I have a 97 crewcab shortbed 4x4 with powerstroke dit and pulling a 27' fifthwheel. The auto trans is constantly shifting up and down even with OD locked out. any thoughts? Thanks for any help. Bob