Re: [A/S] Raton Pass

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Terry,
 Thanks for the reply!

I don't think that they used lockup converters much back in 1978, so
your van probably doesn't have one. You should be able to tell, just by
driving it. You'll feel the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, then a "shift to 4th" as
the TCC locks. In some vehicles, the TCC locks so softly that it's hard
to feel, but you can see it on the tach if you have one or perhaps hear
the engine sound.

It's VERY evident in my truck since I installed the shift kit and a
Sonnax Switch Valve. The latter causes the TCC to lock much quicker; it
feels and sounds just like a shift to '5th'.

Although it's easy with most vehicles to add a manual TCC lockup switch,
the transmission guys don't recommend it. Besides forgetting it and
causing the engine to stall when you stop, it's quite hard on the tranny
to shift with the TCC locked. Some Dodge guys have broken the
transmission input shaft by forgetting their "mystery switch" and
accellerating in a hurry.

Some exhaust brake setups include automatic TCC lockup when the brake is
actuated so you get maximum braking w/o heating the transmission oil. If
you don't experience heating on long downgrades, I wouldn't worry about
it.

Thanks for the story on your B-in-L, that's funny!

                                          <<Jim>>