Posted by Foy on January 20, 03 at 08:40:15:
In Reply to: 700r4 and towing posted by Bruce on January 20, 03 at 08:24:36:
: I have a popup camper with uvw of 1880 which I towed last year with my 88 Suburban, 1/2 ton 4x4 with 700r4. Towed it real easily and did not seem to bother the transmission at all.
: I asked around and got differing answers on whether to use OD or not. Some said no problem, others said don't do it, others said use OD as long as it is not shifting back and forth between 3rd and OD. I went ahead and used OD when not in the hills and mountains.
: What do you guys think, should I use OD or not ???
: Also after reading on the posts here about the problems with overheating the 700r4, I am going to get a trans cooler. Also I installed a motormite drain plug kit in the pan, but it leaks. I read on another post that the B&M or Moroso kits dont leak. But now I am wondering if maybe an aluminum pan would be a better idea. I am thinking it would be best to use a stock depth, as it looks like the exhaust crossover and drive shaft could be kind of close on a deep pan.
: Any input appreciated. Thanks
Bruce- IF you install a trans fluid gauge, and IF it works properly, and IF you're aware of the danger zones temprature wise for the ATF, and IF you feel lucky, tow in OD. I wouldn't do it myself. The fuel consumption issue is minimal, and with mine (90 1/2 ton 4WD), I prefer to have the revs up a bit (by towing out of OD) which makes my AC blow a bit better and gives me more punch to climb the hills. I coaxed my 700r4 to 159,000 miles from 80,000 at purchase in part by towing in 3rd instead of OD. At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Foy