Towing and O.D. ?

[93 W350 LE]

So all my life I have been told not to haul with the overdrive on. Is this the same with these? I know the auto trans is my trucks weak link, and I sure don't want burn it up hauling my 5th wheel from SWFla to Mo. But with 410gears it will make for a long haul withou the extra gear.
Any recommendations?
Thanks.

Eric

[The_Head]

You don't want to be towing in OD at low speeds where the throttle used is going to be very light. Not enough hydraulic pressure is generated inside the tranny, iirc.

I think with your power level and the load you are towing, you won't have that problem.

[Remps]

I see you have a gear vendors, couldn't you just tow in 3rd with the GV engaged? That would avoid OD altogether.

[BILTIT]

Exactly, use the GV. That is what it is designed for, to save the OD in the tranny.

[93 W350 LE]

I had planned on that, but even with the GV unit engaged I am in the 2000 rpm range at speed. But I guess that's good, since it should put me above the stall speed of the converter. So that should be better. Right?

Eric

[ellis93]

Meh......I'm gonna have to go against the grain here and say that I'd turn the od off....until like 55 or 60 then turn it on and use it. I've been looking into the gv overdrive units and I find them horridly expensive and non serviceable. If something goes somewhere I'd rather ths trans take a crap than an 3500$ gear venders. At least you'll only do the trans once,instead of a gv then a trans

[Remps]

That is a good point ellis. Either way a stock auto sucks for towing. A stock auto will be more forgiving to a GV unit than a manual as well. Biltit, I am guessing you use yours for towing? Ever change oil in it? If so what kinda shape was the oil in?

[BILTIT]

I do use mine occasionally for towing (mostly for the extra OD when unloaded though).

I have the deep sump and do change the oil regularly, it gets dirty quick.

[DodgeFreak]

We've towed in Od before but its only once we got up to interstate speed and it was flat with no wind. Once a head wind or hills come up and its struggling we will let it down shift, then lock od out.

[cmann250]

http://www.dieselperformance.com/index. ... /index/29P

I can't say I completely understand the insides of a Chrysler 4 speed, but I'm thinking of fabricating something like this. I'm thinking of something like a choke cable pulling the TV lever back to simulate a higher TP scenario. I'd think clamping clutches all the time at "max" pressure wouldn't be good (i.e. zip tying the lever back), but once rolling in O/D with 4.10s I think the extra pressure would be beneficial.

Anyone else think so?

[1STGENFARMBOY]

If you have a trans temp gauge and keep the temps in a respectable range...(less than 190 in the pan)
and keep the fluid in good shape it will live, extreme temp is the killer, and in OD with a decent load
whether it be weight or wind resistance your temps will climb like crazy in OD.

as long as i'm going 60+ I use it, unless I go up a decent hill, then it comes off.

[JimmieD]

For mine I just bought the Mopar deep sump oil pan P-3690730 AB from JEGS [2 extra quarts fluid], plus a Trans-Go shift kit, plus a large auxiliary trans cooler and also an auxiliary external trans fluid filter. Hoping to reduce the possibility of problems.

[93 W350 LE]

In order to hit 60mph I have to use one of my O.D's. Without them 45mph spins 2000rpms, withe the GV on 60mph spins 2000rpms. With both 70mph spins around 1800. I guess I will have to focus on keeping my trans as cool as possible.and limit myself to 60-65mph?

Eric

[BILTIT]

With my getrag i can do 75mph in 5th Over at ~1800, 3.54 and 33's.

What size of tires are you running?

[93 W350 LE]

If I remember correctly, they are 245/80 16's. Juat a little bigger than stock.

Eric