I have '04 Screw 5.4L 3.73 diff, with tow package. Many have told me NEVER tow in overdrive. I cannot see anything in owner manual about it. Towing such a light load at highway speeds of 70-75 mph just doesn't seem right without OD.

Any advice? I sure don't want to burn out the transmission!

Thanks,
CW

 

I tow the below in OD.



It weighs a bit more than 2500#

 

Ford says you can tow in OD. I think they know more than everyone else about whether or not you can tow in OD.

KC-10 FE out...

 

As long as the Tranny doesn't up/downshift alot, it is ok.

 

I tow my boat in OD on fairly flat roads and turn it off while driving in hilly terrain. My 4.6 handles it just fine without switching back and forth between gears.

 

Hey let your common sense be your guide. If it is moving back and forth between OD and third (hunting) it should be in third. If it is lugging, it should be in third. If you need some engine braking it should be in third.

If it is flat, down hill, over 55, it should be in overdrive.

That button is there just so you can flip it in and out quickly.

I come up steep grades in OD, only about 1500lbs of stuff, but if I have to go 50 MPH because of traffic, I click it into third. As soon as the traffic lets me get it back above 55, I click it back into OD.
Using the button will not wear out the tranny, or cause any problems.

So when you slog down, click it.
When you pick up steam, unclick it.
Like using fifth gear in a stick. If it feels right, use it. If it feels wrong, don't use it.
Chris

 

If your truck shift up and down alot then run it with OD off. If you run it with OD off your gas mileage will go down but you will save your transmision. I usually run mine as much as possible in OD.

 

Is this for sure? because I was using it like a manual tranny and to slow down the truck from hwy speeds on the off ramp, but started thinking that it might be hard on the tranny

 

If it's hunting for the right gear a lot, lock out overdrive.

I tow my utility trailer in overdrive on flat ground or mild grades, and in third around town or when the grades get steeper.

 

So... towing my 5500# 1978 Bronco back from 'home' (about 150 miles) through mild rolling hills, I should probably kick the OD off correct?

 

Rock, only if its toggling in and out of overdrive. Then turn it off.
5500 lbs is nothing for your truck, a Ranger can pull that.

 

I would in the hills. On flatground, overdrive would prolly be okay.

 

The rule of turning off overdrive started in the first overdrive tranny's that had mechanical linkage that would wear out. My brother always had problems towing his horse trailer. Not sure exactly what part. I always turn off overdrive going up a 6% regardless of towing or empty. Feels like it takes the load off the engine and lets the rpms help with the climb instead of lugging the motor just before downshifting. The amazing thing for me is that I really don't notice a big drop in mpg when I do this.

Wish Ford would actually put a tow button that would change the tune and shifts points like some other makes do. Would be like having an EDGE tuner installed from the factory!

 

Ahhh, good old Surfside....



Or is that Bryan Beach?


(I grew up in L.J... B-Wood '91... )

Good info here, btw, will make the boat buy decision easier!

 

SURFSIDE