I have a 1989 D-150 3 speed automatic, 318, TBI, LWB, 139+ thousand miles. All smog, EGR and such still hooked up and operational.15" tires as stock and as original as it was when new, as far as I can tell. I believe I am the 3rd owner.

My question concerns manually downshifting the transmission when decending hills.

I can do this in my 03 Toyota but can't find anything on this when it comes to my Dodge. I have searched this forum and on line as well. All I am able to find are posts referencing problems with the transmission shifting.

I realize I should not downshift while going too fast. I am simply trying to figure out if it is safe to do so in my 89 Dodge. I don't want to burn up the internal clutches or otherwise cause any transmission damage.

I appreciate your input!

Thanks,

Mike

 

i would likely avoid doing it. my 89 has no 2nd gear at all. i don't know what caused it since it was like that when i got it but my dad also used to own a 1 ton that was the same way. it is not unheard of for the 2nd gear band to fail and when it does you have no 2nd gear. also having paid to get a transmission rebuilt lately on another vehicle i would avoid it. cheaper to do a brake job than pay to get a transmission rebuilt

 

Makes sense to me, thanks for your reply!