if this is not in the right forum, I apologize.

I recently bought a 98 12V CC LB 4x4 to replace my old firewood hauler (79 Power Wagon). Normally I haul around 2000-2500lbs when I cut wood if I am cutting green wood, ~1500 lbs if I am cutting seasoned locust. I normally haul 15-20 truckloads/year.

how much can I haul until I need to lock out overdrive?

Thanks!

Jim

 

first thing u need is a built trans, the autos in these truck are bad from the get go.

 

True story. At least a good valve body.


As far as using OD, I'd say if you're just barely on the go pedal in 3rd, then try OD.

It would be much easier to tell if you're in the right gear if you had a pyrometer.

 

i've read they are pretty poopy trannys, but i always tow in od if the temp stays under 160* which it has so far. i usually tow between 3500-9500 lbs. i have a 4500 to go in once i get the few last things and maybe it's that i don't care about the auto. it also has 195,000 miles on it but it was supposed to be rebuilt around 100,000 and i maybe it was upgraded.

 

With a max load of 2500lbs??? I agree watching a pyro or trans temp will tell the story, but I wouldn't worry about locking it out unless the trans is hunting constantly... 2500lbs is a cake walk...

 

LOL, somebody had better tell my stock trans that it is from the wrong side of the tracks.

I can almost get her to squat ( towing and camper prep package ), so I know I have way more weight in than I should.

I run OD unless it is struggling up a hill.

 

I know that the 47RE has a bad reputation but that is mostly from trucks that have engine mods that up the HP. My 96 47RE is just fine, tow a 32ft travel trailer and have never had a hic-up temps are not a problem unless going up a grade then I just keep an eye on my trans. temp. gauge. I only lock out O.D. when climbing a hill.

Floyd

 

I've had 2k of rock on the box and cruising @ 70, I didn't really know it was there, stuck in OD and still got 20 mpg, sure rode nice, stopping was noticeable...

 

thanks for all the responses. typically I have to drive 20-30 min on the interstate to get my firewood spot. trying to keep up with traffic going 70-75 w/o OD would not be much fun.

 

O/D lock out is a good think to use until you want more than 50 mph. Avoid any speed for an extended when the converter is not locked.

The tranny isn't all that bad, it's that thing that couples the engine and tranny that is a POS. Uh, the torque converter.

Watch to keep your engine rpm drop less than 500 when going from unlocked to locked. When the engine versus tranny rpm doesn't stay close you will get the blue ring of death. That's the converter clutch so burned up the housing gets a blue tempered ring.

Get a trailer and put 3 ton on there to reduce your number of trips.

Save your money for a rebuilt tranny of your choice. A tighter converter is wonder and you can double the engine horpsepower which means traffic struggles to keep up with you....

I can tow 11k and keep up to traffic. OK I have to give him the credit. A Goerend converter makes it possible.

 

I just changed my fluid on my 98 w/188K (I put 60K on it)it looked alittle on the darkside,I do alot of towing & put 2500-3000 in the truck & tow a trailer w/8K when I travel.
I couldn't believe there wasn't any metal in the pan,it was kinda dirty.
And have been thinking about seeing Dave & get an upgrade,the stock converter slips all the power away.