[A/S] Re: transmissions & towing

[useralan@xxxxxxx]

Hi,
     I have a '93 dodge 3/4 truck with the overdrive tranny, and 
an 'overdrive off' button on the dash.  I had problems after about an 
hour on the road with a full load(no trailer, btw). The tranny 
would 'hunt' back and forth, and because unbeknownst to me the switch 
was faulty, it wouldn't light up so I assumed it was disconnected. 
Until I talked to a reputable tranny shop owner who solved the 
mystery the dealership couldn't figure out.  On my trans, the 
overdrive unit is externally mounted to the standard heavy 
transmission.  It is, as explained to me, like a smaller 
transmission, and in fact costs as much to repair as the main 
transmission. He explained that these combos were not intended for 
use under load, and that is why mine kept kicking out after an hour 
on the road, under load.  He suggested never driving with the 
overdrive when the truck is loaded or towing because you WILL 
eventually burn up the rather weak overdrive unit($1400+- repair).  
He wriggled the off switch to get it to work, and I have not had any 
problems since I began shutting it off, and no problems with it when 
I am unloaded and it is on.  This is a short explanation(for me...lol)
Happy Holidays,
P.Titzer