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Run Overdrive Or Not?

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Old Jan 6, 2009 | 10:29 PM
  #1  
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Run Overdrive Or Not?

My commute to work and back is very short (about 10 miles) with a lot of hills and switchbacks. I also recently installed a custome tune from 5 Star Tuning and everything including shift firmness and power are great. I have noticed the truck dropping into overdrive a bit sooner, and tends to lug down a little unless I stay in the throttle more. I try not to run it hard because of the fuel mileage I am trying to save.
With my driving route and conditions, would it be better to run my truck out of overdrive except on highway to save it shifting in and out?; or just let it go. I am only asking because Ive heard comments from others about constantly shifting in and out of O/D is hard on the tranny. I do not no enough about the tranny to make a decision without some help.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 08:55 AM
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You're more efficient "lugging" in o/d than in higher RPMs in 3rd gear.

Just got a scangauge for christmas, and it lets me see the instantaneous MPGs, as well as fuel flow. Very noticeable improvement in efficiency when it locks into O/D, even when it's pulling hard.

These engines are designed to put out lots of torque down low...won't hurt a thing!
 
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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I'd wonder how good of a tune you got if its lugging in od.....
 
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 11:59 AM
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I take Mike set you up with a MPG tune? You can always have him retune it if you don't want OD to step in so soon.

How many times during your 10 mile commute does it shift in and out of OD?
 
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Old Jan 7, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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Mike set me up with 3 stages for 87 octane because its a daily driver. I have it in economy right now and dont get me wrong it runs great. I have a great "power band" where it really pulls, and I can keep it running strong if I stay in it. I just get off the pedal as soon as I can for gas mileage and thats when it slides into overdrive where it loses alot of R's and power. As far as how many times, I'll have to check next time and count. I dont think there is anything wrong with the tune, I just wasen't sure if I should just run out of O/D untill I hit the level areas. I also want to try the tow, and performance tunes I have programmed to see how they run.
 
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