A little Clarity is needed.

1. Around town AKA about 30-45mph do our trucks shift into overdrive?...."i know i could just go check but im saving gas by sitting here lol"

2. The O/D off in These trucks DOESNT adjust shift points like the Tow/Haul in some trucks (chevys that i know of), correct? it simply doesnt let it engange into O/D.

3. If If #1 is yes , is it worth turning O/D off?

Truck is a 99 QC 1500 4x4, auto tranny, 90K, 2" Lift all around, 33" MTR's , 500lbs of gravel in bed.

Thnx

 

I have a 98 Ram. According to the manual, o/d kicks in when the engine is warm and has reached 28 mph. That's why they have soo many problems, from shifting all the time and overheating. I keep my o/d off unless I am on the highway. The manual says to keep it off in stop and go traffic and hilly areas. Bought my 98 in Oct of 97 and have had no transmission problems by following a simple rule: o/d only on highway. I figure I own a truck, not an economobile. I don't worry about the mpg or any of that nonsense again, because it's a truck w/a 360 eight banger. I have a Taurus wagon that's my econo box, 25 mpg hwy.

 

yes the trany does go into od in town. I drive mine in town with the od off,less shifting and better drivability. the od off button only shuts the od off. It does nothing to the shift points or firmness.

 

The reason the trans shifts that way is something Mopar programmed into the PCM called "Torque management". The belief is that by shifting sooner, you increase the fuel economy and reduce fuel consumption. Frankly, I think its created more problems then benefits. There are a few places that do re-calibration of the PCM , and remove the feature. None of the tuners that you can buy, can alter this at all. So, don't waste your money if that is what you trying to change.( like Jet , etc). KRC performance can do that, check their website...

 

never had a problem here with the overdrive myself. just turn it off when towing. The only reason these trannys go is basically because of the overdrive unit. otherwise they are basically bullet proof

 

is it ok to turn O/D off (and on, for that matter) while going 45-50 mph? or do you have to do it while your sittin still? or in neutral?

 

you can turn it of while driving is no differnt than shifting up and down manuley (of corce you wouldent drop down to 1st doing 60 milse per hr lol) but you can turn it on and off no prob i usally turn it off going up steep hills and i dont even slow down

 

Just for the leadfoots in here.. When you push the OD button wether to turn it on or off, the trans. momentarily kicks out the lockup converter. So as I have done on the highway to get around someone, is to hit the button and lay on the throttle. The converter and OD step asside and allow 3rd gear to pull without having to kick back to passing gear mode. Especcially at 70 MPH. They will come back in as you ease up on the throttle or reach a high enough speed like normal.

 

so basically what you guys are saying is keep the o/d off unless your like driving interstate

 

pert near much... or hualing anything except the trucks own weight (excluding minor things int he beds that arnt tooooo heavy) i think that since i managed my OD shifting myself i was able to get close to 95thousand miles before my first tranny issue...