This is something I've played around with in all three of my vehicles. I used to run manual transmissions years ago and miss not being able to shift. My vehicles all have automatics now, more by chance than by choice. I know that my truck sometimes upshifts quicker than I like, especially if I get stuck behind somebody in traffic. I played around adjusting my TV cable, but wasn't really satisfied with the results of that. So I figured why not grab that lever on the steering column and have the truck shift when I want it to.

Most of the time, I don't do this, but when I'm going slow through a town then reach the outer limits, its nice to be able to keep the rpm's cranked up and accelerate a little faster by dropping to 2nd or keeping the OD locked out.

A lot of times I'll come to a stop sign and drop it into 2nd and lock out the OD. It will still start out in first gear, shift to second at the right rpm's, then I can control the 2nd to 3rd shift and let it wind out a little more without keeping the throttle pressed down hard. Once I throw it into third, it'll shift and I can wind it up to cruising speed. If I want to run 55 mph, I'll actually take it to about 60, then let off the gas and switch the button to let it go into OD. This way it doesn't go through the annoying sequence of unlocking the torque converter in 3rd, then locking back up in 3rd, and then shifting into OD. At least I don't feel it through the driveline and don't have the wear and tear of it shifting while under load. By taking it to 60, by the time it shifts and I get back on the throttle, it'll be back around 55 mph and have made the shift nice and smooth.

Just something to think about if your truck shifts too early for your taste. I'll do this while towing also, especially if I'm coming up on a hill and I want it to downshift earlier to keep the engine in the upper rpm range. Or if I have to slow down to take a corner, I'll drop it into 2nd while taking the corner. Otherwise, my truck will be in 3rd (depending on the speed) then as I keep pressing on the gas to make it go again, it'll finally kick down to 2nd, then upshift again right aways. By shifting it into 2nd manually, it will accelerate quicker and isn't going through the downshift under load. Play around with this and see if it works for you.

 

I didn't even know it was safe to move the shifter to 1, 2, and D while moving, can you do it while giving it gas or should you let up?

 

Let up slightly on the gas. Remember, the torque converter takes over for the clutch

 

I always run my shifter by hand. Right down to first, and then up thru em again. I keep the hammer down and cycle up. Doesn't hurt if the tranny is in good shape. Shift kit makes it MORE FUN!!!!!

I pull the tranny down thru the gears as well, but at realistic rpm's that won't hurt anything.


Good luck with your ride.

 

ill shift 1-2-3 o/d every once in a while, but I never downshift. Iv heard too many bad things about downshifting with autos, and broken a few trans's in some manners one of which i attribute to downshifting. upshifting is fine.

 

I do not suggest you do this. It is not good for your transmission to downshift it manually. I do not see a problem in upshifting as long as your not holding it in any gear for two long of a time. If you really want to shift trade for a manual shift or swap yours over to a manual shift. Call a few transmission shops in your area and ask them for yourself. It is very very hard on transmissions to do this manually. Your just asking to destroy a good transmission if you do this very much.

 

I know alot of people who manually upshift, and none have ever losta transmission. When my tranny burned out however, the only way to make it take of was to shift manually.

 

Don't see how it's any harder than winding up the motor while standing on the brake. I used todownshift all the time (in my cars) and "blip" the accelerator to get it to drop down a gear ... nice chirp off the tires and great decelleration into a turn ... then romp it through the center and out.

 

First of all what I am about to say is not me trying to be a smart A$$. All I can say is go ahead do it, just dont come here crying about the tranny is tore up when it happens. Because it will. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. HAD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION WHEN I WAS 17. Lesson learned.

 

I'd hate to think I spent $5,000+ last year on a tranny that can't be played around with. People pulling trailers on the highway, who drive diesels, will downshift into 2nd sometimes. There's no damage to a transmission in good running condition.

Up and down I run them. My tranny kicks a**.


Shift em if you got em folks.LOL


Good luck with ALL our rides.