downshifting auto trans
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 100
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From: Oxford, Mississippi
I've always had the notion that brake pads are much cheaper than transmissions. I do downshift if towing and going down a steep grade to control speed....but I don't do it in normal driving.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
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I'm with George. The only time I downshift is if the grade is really long and I'm running the risk of overheating the brakes. I will, however, turn off OD when going down long gentle grades. Otherwise, I just use the brakes.
As far as damaging your tranny, I can't say for sure. The only thing I'm willing to say about it is that it can't be doing the tranny any good. The more the tranny shifts, the more it wears out.
As far as damaging your tranny, I can't say for sure. The only thing I'm willing to say about it is that it can't be doing the tranny any good. The more the tranny shifts, the more it wears out.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 0
I'm with George. The only time I downshift is if the grade is really long and I'm running the risk of overheating the brakes. I will, however, turn off OD when going down long gentle grades. Otherwise, I just use the brakes.
As far as damaging your tranny, I can't say for sure. The only thing I'm willing to say about it is that it can't be doing the tranny any good. The more the tranny shifts, the more it wears out.
As far as damaging your tranny, I can't say for sure. The only thing I'm willing to say about it is that it can't be doing the tranny any good. The more the tranny shifts, the more it wears out.
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 47
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From: macon,ga,usa
downshifting auto trans
have a 97 4.6l f-150 4x2 w/auto trans. have been downshifting (manually) from od to 2nd. gear at speeds as high as 70 mph to aid in braking and subsequent acceleration. been doing it for about 18 months with no apparent trouble. truck has 115,000 miles. am i hurting the trans? comments?