Engine Braking --> Please Help Me!
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 28
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From: Ontario, Canada
Engine Braking --> Please Help Me!
Hey guys,
I have a 1998 5.4L 4x4 ORP auto. I dont have any idea what model tranny I have.
Anyways, I have been downshifting from 'D' to 2 to 1, as if it were a manual. Also, I sometimes start from 1 and then shift to 2, and the 'D'. Throughout this whole process, I will not go higher than 4000 rpm.
My question is, am I harming my transmission by shifting 'manually' in my auto?
I do this because my brakes lasted me ~ 10000 miles, and then I had to replace the rotors etc... which turned out to be ~$500!
So please tell me if I am seriously harming my transmission!
Thanx.
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1998 F-150 XLT 5.4 Flareside, Reg. cab, SILVER!!!!
[b]---------MODS-----------[\b]
I have a 1998 5.4L 4x4 ORP auto. I dont have any idea what model tranny I have.
Anyways, I have been downshifting from 'D' to 2 to 1, as if it were a manual. Also, I sometimes start from 1 and then shift to 2, and the 'D'. Throughout this whole process, I will not go higher than 4000 rpm.
My question is, am I harming my transmission by shifting 'manually' in my auto?
I do this because my brakes lasted me ~ 10000 miles, and then I had to replace the rotors etc... which turned out to be ~$500!
So please tell me if I am seriously harming my transmission!
Thanx.
------------------
1998 F-150 XLT 5.4 Flareside, Reg. cab, SILVER!!!!
[b]---------MODS-----------[\b]
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 411
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From: Pa
I hope our trucks are not too fragile to engine break on a downgrade. My 97 always does with OD off.
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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-Airraid-Perma-cool electric fan & controller
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97 Lariet-sc-4.6-4x off road-auto-3.55 LS-
superchip-Airraid-Perma-cool electric fan & controller
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,544
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From: Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Wow, all that effort and only 10,000 miles of brake life?
(If you were seriously hurting your transmission, you wouldn't have gotton 100K on it -- period! Sounds like you're not hard on anything at all -- so keep on keepin' on.)
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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com
Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"
(If you were seriously hurting your transmission, you wouldn't have gotton 100K on it -- period! Sounds like you're not hard on anything at all -- so keep on keepin' on.)
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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com
Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB
I agree, just drive slower or brake easier. I have a 5sp, and only downshift if i have to, like going down larger grades with a load in the back.
I'm on the same boat when it comes to replacement parts. I'd rather replace my brakes than my tranny.
Bambino
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Bambino Worldwide
Owners Gallery Truck #179
1999 reg cab/short box/ORP/Silver on Dk Graphite - 3.55; 4.6l 5sp; Factory Tonneau; 40 chan CB/Maxrad Antenna; Kicker amp'd sub tubes; Rockford Fosgate components up front; Custom Exhaust; Mobil 1 5w30/Motorcraft FL820s; Amsoil Series 2k in the driveline.
I'm on the same boat when it comes to replacement parts. I'd rather replace my brakes than my tranny.
Bambino
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Bambino Worldwide
Owners Gallery Truck #179
1999 reg cab/short box/ORP/Silver on Dk Graphite - 3.55; 4.6l 5sp; Factory Tonneau; 40 chan CB/Maxrad Antenna; Kicker amp'd sub tubes; Rockford Fosgate components up front; Custom Exhaust; Mobil 1 5w30/Motorcraft FL820s; Amsoil Series 2k in the driveline.
Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
Modest,
I agree with DarnEFNET in that brake pads are cheaper then a tranny or motor.
Remember that during engine braking, the forces exerted on your engine and drivetrain are equal, albeit the exact opposite, as those exerted on the drivetrain during acceleration. That means that all the way from the rear end to the engine bearings is being affected.
My dad had a '66 Dodge that he downshifted all the time and the car did go 100,000 miles. But maybe if he didn't do that it would have gone 300,000!
When you boil it all down, it's a matter of what you want to do. But you certainly aren't doing your truck any good doing that.
Engine braking on long grades is a good precaution to keep from overheating your service brakes. But other than that, personally, I slow down by pushing the Stop pedal.
Hope this helps!
John
I agree with DarnEFNET in that brake pads are cheaper then a tranny or motor.
Remember that during engine braking, the forces exerted on your engine and drivetrain are equal, albeit the exact opposite, as those exerted on the drivetrain during acceleration. That means that all the way from the rear end to the engine bearings is being affected.
My dad had a '66 Dodge that he downshifted all the time and the car did go 100,000 miles. But maybe if he didn't do that it would have gone 300,000!
When you boil it all down, it's a matter of what you want to do. But you certainly aren't doing your truck any good doing that.
Engine braking on long grades is a good precaution to keep from overheating your service brakes. But other than that, personally, I slow down by pushing the Stop pedal.
Hope this helps!
John