[GrizzlyTN]

Other than gas mileage does it hurt the transmission in any way to drive in 3rd all the time? When I'm on the interstate and I have it in 4th (Overdrive) it's constantly shifting down and losing speed.

I put it in 3rd and it runs about 30 degrees cooler on the transmission and drives MUCH better.

I also have been driving in 3rd around town, very rarely driving in 4th (overdrive) anymore.

I'm not a mechanic but it makes sense that if the transmission is running 30 degrees cooler even at interstate speeds it wouldn't be damaging anything.

Any help would be appreciated guys

 

[98Hotrod98]

Shoudn't harm anything mechanically, just your wallet.

I would find out why OD is doing that though, has it done it since you put the 33's on there, or is this a recent thing?

 

[murdog94]

Other than the increase in engine RPMS will will speed up the wear on the motor, and the mentioned fuel milage no.
A little more detail about engine size etc would be nice.

 

[GrizzlyTN]

Running a WT 4.3 V6, It's definitely made a difference since I put the 33's on.

I did read a bulletin that there is some sort of software update at the dealership for the transmission that fixes the weird shifting, mostly it's not shifting down when it needs to. I know it's a V6 but the power is there, the transmission just doesn't shift down when it should, like passing or getting on the interstate, if you push the pedal down all the way, FINALLY it will shift down and go just fine. That's in 3rd or 4th, both act the same that way, but 3rd at least locks out the OD from shifting down the torque.

 

[murdog94]

Sounds like its time for new gears, that will allow you to use OD and save the milage, since a 3in lift, and 33s is alot for 195HP. So in my opinion that would be my next mod for your truck. But you will also want to find out what gears you have right now.

 

[GrizzlyTN]

So you don't think the software update will do any good? I've never done any tranny mods in my life, is there a sticky on how to figure out the basics?

 

[murdog94]

Oh no the tranny mod might work.... there doesnt seem to be anything wrong with the tranny however the gears i was talking about will help to get your milage back, and keep the tranny and motor happy.

I was talking about Differential Gears. And is your truck a 2X4 or a 4X4???

 

[98Hotrod98]

Software update may adjust some shift points, but the underlying issue is lack of torque on those big tires. I would look at changing the gears and maybe adding an aftermarket trans cooler to make sure you get the best life out of your parts.

Heres a good walk through you may handy.

http://www.differentials.com/install.html

 

[GrizzlyTN]

2x4, figured I would buy what I could afford and dress the dog up ya know

 

[murdog94]

I hear ya.. i would go with gears the very next thing. they will run you around $500-$1100 depending on the shop, gears etc.. BUt that will make a HUGE difference in power, milage, and component life.

 

[GrizzlyTN]

500 to 1100 just for the parts or parts and somebody to install it?

I should of bought the V8 lol

 

[silveradotrailblazer]

I would check with NelsonPerformance.com for a custom tune for your V-6 truck. They can adjust for the larger tires and play with the trans shifts along with some added engine performance that most likely will give you more mpg's.