So I usually road trip out west in a car with a stickshift, but this year I am thinking about taking the Dakota. I'm planning on a fresh set of rotors, pads before I leave, as well as fresh ATF and a transmission cooler.

That being said, what is the best approach for steep, extended, downgrades? In my other cars I just downshift. Experiences?

 

Drop it down into 3rd or even 2nd depending on the speed and grade. That's what I do. Just to reduce rotor temps by not having tom brake as much.

 

You're only worried about the down grades? Don't do anything, leave it in OD and let her coast. Small, short, braking as needed and you'll be fine. Depending on the grade uphill, that's what I'd be worried about with a v6 and automatic.. but, you'll have addressed that by adding the cooler.

Unless you plan to tow something behind you?

 

If you feel like the brakes are losing power just down shift one gear at a time. Same deal going up hill, if you're bogging too much and turning off the OD isn't helping, down shift. There are plenty of long steep hills out there you might feel like doing this on.

 

So for climbing steeper grades, is it best to turn OD off?

Also, I've been searching on the FAQ but I haven't found any really decent transmission cooler guides. Apparently we already have at trans cooler in the radiator?

This is my first automatic in... oh... 13 years... so I'm a bit lost with automatics. Lol. Do I need a gauge too?

 

I think you are over analyzing it. Just drive.

 

jKeaton pretty much has it all covered.
I remember being very ignorant and not having anyone to ask so.....turning off the OD simply drops the trans back into 3rd gear. That will give more torque on uphills if its really lugging. Really most roads are properly graded and these trucks when in good shape can handle any paved roads.

 

Uh.. it's an automatic.. it'll down shift when it's right to do so.. there no need to turn off od unless he's towing something..

My over weight v8 4x4 can keep 70mph in od unlocked torque on a 7% grade for 1.5 miles pretty easy.

 

So in what condition would I ever turn off OD? Towing? That's it? So it's like a towing button?

 

You drop it out of OD whenever you want to. It can safely do hwy speeds in 3rd. the OD is mainly for gas mileage. You'll know by driving it. Go find some hills and experiment.