Preparing for towing
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From: Mount Airy,MD
As stated, if not hunting between 3-4 and not locking and unlocking the TC, leave it in OD. The main reason for the hunting is wind, rather than weight. With a boat or open trailer it is not as big a problem as with a camper or enclosed trailer.
As far as the TC, you can easily tell if it is locking or unlocking by the tach. RPMs will stay steady while locked, but when it unlocks, they will go up a little, and go up and down with the amount of pressure on the gas pedal. When locked, the RPMs will only go up as speed increases.
As far as the TC, you can easily tell if it is locking or unlocking by the tach. RPMs will stay steady while locked, but when it unlocks, they will go up a little, and go up and down with the amount of pressure on the gas pedal. When locked, the RPMs will only go up as speed increases.
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From: San Diego, CA
As far as the TC, you can easily tell if it is locking or unlocking by the tach. RPMs will stay steady while locked, but when it unlocks, they will go up a little, and go up and down with the amount of pressure on the gas pedal. When locked, the RPMs will only go up as speed increases.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Miami, FL
LTDScott,
I would make sure you have a 4R100, as in a 2000 model I believe that's supposed to be pretty rare. My truck is the exact same set-up as yours, 2000 5.4 2wd, 3.55 LSD with class III tow package and I have a 4R70W.
Then again, I think the 4R100 was required in Cali because of emissions for some reason, so you could be entirely right. I would make sure though, because if its a 4R70W instead you will definitely want to turn overdrive off because its a much weaker tranny.
Just a heads up,
- Erik
I would make sure you have a 4R100, as in a 2000 model I believe that's supposed to be pretty rare. My truck is the exact same set-up as yours, 2000 5.4 2wd, 3.55 LSD with class III tow package and I have a 4R70W.
Then again, I think the 4R100 was required in Cali because of emissions for some reason, so you could be entirely right. I would make sure though, because if its a 4R70W instead you will definitely want to turn overdrive off because its a much weaker tranny.
Just a heads up,
- Erik
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Divide, CO
Law or not, with 5,000# pushing me, I'd darn well sure have brakes on that trailer if it was me! If not, one panic stop, and you'll add them (right after you clean out your shorts!).
To OD or not to OD..... Kingfish has it right. I tow a T/T, and running in 3rd can actually raise temps over OD as long as the T/C stays locked. Proof given by the trans temp gauge I installed. I usually drive with my finger on the button, ready to turn off OD as soon as the TC unlocks. (I also added an LED in the dash to visually indicate the locked condition.)
Andy
To OD or not to OD..... Kingfish has it right. I tow a T/T, and running in 3rd can actually raise temps over OD as long as the T/C stays locked. Proof given by the trans temp gauge I installed. I usually drive with my finger on the button, ready to turn off OD as soon as the TC unlocks. (I also added an LED in the dash to visually indicate the locked condition.)
Andy
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From: San Diego, CA
I would make sure you have a 4R100, as in a 2000 model I believe that's supposed to be pretty rare. My truck is the exact same set-up as yours, 2000 5.4 2wd, 3.55 LSD with class III tow package and I have a 4R70W.
Then again, I think the 4R100 was required in Cali because of emissions for some reason, so you could be entirely right.
Then again, I think the 4R100 was required in Cali because of emissions for some reason, so you could be entirely right.
Law or not, with 5,000# pushing me, I'd darn well sure have brakes on that trailer if it was me! If not, one panic stop, and you'll add them (right after you clean out your shorts!).
To OD or not to OD..... Kingfish has it right. I tow a T/T, and running in 3rd can actually raise temps over OD as long as the T/C stays locked. Proof given by the trans temp gauge I installed.
To OD or not to OD..... Kingfish has it right. I tow a T/T, and running in 3rd can actually raise temps over OD as long as the T/C stays locked. Proof given by the trans temp gauge I installed.
I'm going to look into adding a trans temp gauge. I'll have to research the options for this.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Divide, CO
There are lots of threads on trans gauge installation. HERE'S MINE.
Andy
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From: San Diego, CA
Gotcha. just leave p l e n t y of following buffer.
There are lots of threads on trans gauge installation. HERE'S MINE.
Andy
There are lots of threads on trans gauge installation. HERE'S MINE.
Andy
Thanks for the tranny gauge link.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Utah
The big area where the 3v engine out performs the 2v is in towing (THEY say..)
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From: San Diego, CA
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Divide, CO
Yes, I did. I believe I removed a section ~1.25" long. I used a compact tubing cutter like this one:
Some folks have installed the temp sensor in the test port on the side of the transmission. It's simpler and gives a more general, overall temperature reading. Good for determining average, "long term" temps. I like mine where it is, because I immediately see any rise in temperature (from TC slippage or other issues).
Andy
Some folks have installed the temp sensor in the test port on the side of the transmission. It's simpler and gives a more general, overall temperature reading. Good for determining average, "long term" temps. I like mine where it is, because I immediately see any rise in temperature (from TC slippage or other issues).
Andy
Last edited by OhioLariat; Mar 1, 2010 at 03:24 PM.
