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View Full Version : Do you tow..(part deau)



FRENCHIE
05-03-2004, 06:56 PM
in a four speed auto, say a 5.4 ltr ford f150, expedition etc, in third gear-no use of overdrive? all the way to river in third with the od off? or use the od on down hill or ? also how fast in third is not too much stress on the tranny?:confused:

Kachina26
05-03-2004, 07:09 PM
Realistically, you shouldn't tow in OD. Now depending on what you tow, you might be ok on the flats and down hills in OD. I used to tow my 21' Carrera in OD most of the way on the 40. I let the trans tell me what it wants. If it downshifts then I pull it down manually and hold it there. (this is always the case now with the bigger boat) Opinions will vary, when in doubt pull it down and burn the fuel, not the trans.:D

FRENCHIE
05-03-2004, 07:15 PM
thanx for the info, will be towing about 5500lbs, 25 ft. your right i would definatley rather burn the fuel!;)

CrazyHippy
05-03-2004, 07:23 PM
I tow in OD all the time, up hill, down hill where ever.
f-350 Diesel, 19' whacker:D :p (2k lbs total inc trailer)
BJH

Kachina26
05-04-2004, 05:30 AM
The real damage is done when the trans is constantly shifting in and out of OD. So if it wants 3rd then give it 3rd.

79Hawaiian
05-20-2004, 09:26 PM
I am looking at a F150 with the 5liter. Are you happy? I just test drove one and it seemed to be a dog. It only had 40 miles on it. My previous truck really woke up at around 1500 miles due to some break-in. Is this the case with the Ford???

UtlGoa
05-20-2004, 09:32 PM
I have a 1999 F-150 5.4 liter, 2wd lifted with 35's. I tow my 24' enclosed trailer with living quarters and four seat rail to glamis and have never had a problem. I don't tow in od. I lifted the truck four years ago and have not changed the gears yet.
It also tows my 19' Bahner jet boat with no problems. And I do tow the boat in over drive.

bigq
05-20-2004, 10:57 PM
had the f150 5.4 and auto. If the trans statrs shifting in and out of OD turn it off till you get level. It will also depend on the gears the truck has. Mine had the tow package which added the big cooler for the trans among other things, if it does not have that it needs it and you can also add the deep pan to increase the oil volume.
or just add a blower and not worry about it,:D

FRENCHIE
05-21-2004, 06:54 AM
i just added the 28,000 gvw trans cooler to mine last week that should be more than enough!;)

CA Stu
05-21-2004, 10:55 AM
Higher rpms = keeps the motor in it's powerband = higher line pressure in the trans = better TC lockup + less shifting = cooler trans temps = longer life for your rig.
Don't tow uphill in OD for sure. I think on the flat or on downhill it doesn't matter, but shut off the OD on the grades for sure.
Thanks
CA Stu <- My Cummins will tow your rig sideways. ;)

FRENCHIE
05-22-2004, 02:10 PM
thankyou for that, thank ya very much!;)

SUPERCREWJOHN
05-27-2004, 02:39 PM
Depends on what I am towing... If is under 2k then OD seems to be Ok. I changed the gearing when I ordered my truck from the 3.55s to the 4.30 ( I know gas mileage sucks and I should have a diesel) so that the trans wouldnt have to work as hard under load in gears 1 & 2.. If it is anything substancial I would leave OD off...

rivercrazy
05-27-2004, 02:44 PM
A good test is run a section of highway in O/D and in 3rd. Whichever requires less throttle to maintain your cruising speed is the right gear. And don't use O/D on the grades!

FRENCHIE
05-28-2004, 09:15 AM
10-4;)

Ziggy
06-11-2004, 04:31 PM
I'll tow in OD most times depending on the actual load on the trans/motor...I guess its a feel you get after you learn your rig.
I have F350PSD with 35's and OEM gears. Tow's my 23' boat without hardly a moan. Same goes with the cabover and a trailer full of quads.
I'll even have the cruise on in OD if the condition is right for it.
Changing and cleaning the trany fluid every 10-15k miles helps keep it fresh too.

dmontzsta
06-20-2004, 01:19 PM
ttt