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One thing to keep in mind - I'm not sure if the PCM will lock the torque converter in first gear on the 4R100. If it doesn't, your trans temps will climb dramatically. If you don't have a "real" tranny temp gage, you should get one.
Winding to 4500 should not hurt the engine as long as all temps stay in line... But I still let off and let her back down to 4K. No logical reason to do so, but hearing her sing at 4500 or higher just isn't as pleasant to my ears.
Thanks. This is similar to what I have been experiencing.
I notice that I can be going 55 or 60 at the bottom of the hill and as the rpm drop I floor it and it down shifts, into what I believe is second, and then when they begin to drop again because of steeper grade, I have to manually pull it down into first to hit the 4500 and up range. It doesn't seem to go on down to first by itself.
Especially when I have to slow down to 25 or 30 for a tight turn just before a steep grade.
I do have a tranny temp guage and I keep an eye on it. I noticed it never has gotten above 195 or 200 on one of those steep runs, but I always wondered when it begins to sing at 4500.
One thing to keep in mind - I'm not sure if the PCM will lock the torque converter in first gear on the 4R100. If it doesn't, your trans temps will climb dramatically.
It will indeed lock the TC in 1st gear. Watch the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th video down. We all thought it was up shifting to 2nd gear but Mike at 5 Star confirmed it was the TC locking. He gave me a tune to allow the TC to stay unlocked longer in 1st gear but I have not got a chance to test it.
It will indeed lock the TC in 1st gear. Watch the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th video down. We all thought it was up shifting to 2nd gear but Mike at 5 Star confirmed it was the TC locking. He gave me a tune to allow the TC to stay unlocked longer in 1st gear but I have not got a chance to test it.
Okay, i'm getting a bit confused. You guys know all about these engines and trannies and I will admit I'm still trying to learn, so fill me in.
I start up a grade (I'm out of overdrive) and when it begins to drop the rpms, I put it on the floor and it downshifts and the rpm come up to 4000 or just above. If I know it's a long grade, I manually put it in 2nd gear and stand on it. As the grade gets steeper or I have on of those hairpin curves, the rpms begin to drop again and I manually put it in 1st and the rpms race up above 4500.
Is this the way to do it? or do I just leave it in 3rd and put it on the floor and the PCM will put it in first or whichever gear it needs to hold 4000 or better?
Your better off letting the truck do its thing IMO. The stock shift strategy leaves a lot to be desired and often requires a lot of pedal to get it to downshift. It sounds like you could really benefit from a good tow tune.
Your better off letting the truck do its thing IMO. The stock shift strategy leaves a lot to be desired and often requires a lot of pedal to get it to downshift. It sounds like you could really benefit from a good tow tune.
I think I've got it. Just leave it in 3rd and allow the PCM and pedal to send it to the proper gear.
I have sent an email to the 5-star guys to see about your suggestion.
Thanks again to all the drivers offering advice. I've always had good luck with this truck and sometimes I think it will do more than I have been asking it to do.