Has anyone ever explored the possibility of doing this on the '94-'01 Ram's? If so, how is it wired up?

I can see some benefits of the torque converter being locked up all the time to reduce heat and wear when letting off the gas and then getting back into it.

 

Some of the GM folks altered the programming for TCC lockup, with good results. According to popular theory, this solution should be available on the OBDII trucks, without too much hassle, OBDI is going to be more complicated. Unfortunately, it appears that the Ram community does not have quite the following for reprogramming that the GM community does. I don't know how much would carry over.....

 

I know the Ford Ranger & Explorer for instance, the PCM grounds the torque converter lockup wire to lock the torque converter. To install a switch, you just tap the wire at the PCM and install a grounding switch.

 

For manual operation, that should work. However..... it would be something else you would need to pay attention to. Freeway cruising, it may, or may not... work out fine. But, forget to flip the switch in town, and you stall when you stop. It also would not disengage when engine load reaches the point when the PCM would normally unlock it.

There are good points, and bad points to the system...... an option to override the PCM would work for some.... but, just cause troubles for others. Your choice I suppose.

 

That is a valid point.

I could see the benefits of having the over ride switch, for instance if you were towing. This would allow you to have the most power transfered from the engine to the rear axles.

 

I am not entirely sure if turning off overdrive, also turns off TCC... I don't think it does..... but, I am not 100% sure on that...... (shouldn't be towing in overdrive. )

If disabling o/d ALSO kills TCC lockup, then yes, I think it could be a good idea. (after all, the torque converter generates a fair bit of heat in the fluid when unlocked....) I would use a switch that would give some indication of when it was engaged though.

 

Yes, the torque converter does generate a lot of heat in the fluid when it is unlocked. I have never seen my transmission get above 180*; that was towing a Bobcat. Under normal driving conditions, mine doesn't get any hotter than 150*. My temp gauge sensor is in the 1/4" NPT port on the side of the transmission by the dip stick tube. I am considering installing another sensor in the cooling line with a switch to switch them back and forth.

A switch that indicates would be a must.