[A/S] Re: Transmission Pros and Cons

[Chris Koehn <timberguides@xxxxxxxxx>]

There was recently a discussion on the Power Stroke list re: auto trans 
gear shifting which is somewhat related. The automatic transmission can 
"gear search" (shift between higher and lower gears frequently) in 
hilly or variable conditions, which is not good for it in the long 
haul. The consensus seems to be that if you find your transmission 
doing this, it's best to turn off the overdrive (on Fords a little 
button on the end of the shift lever) until conditions stabilize.

I have also been interested in "rear end" size (not mine- my truck's..) 
I used to have a 7.3 diesel with 4-11 gears. My newer one is a Power 
Stroke (turbocharged) with 3-73 gears. I can notice a definite decline 
in power low range with the 3-73's, but not enough to overcome the 
dramatically increased mileage achieved with them. I pull my Airsteam 
with no difficulty, and I just pay attention to the gear search thing.

Regards,

Chris Koehn
'79 @ 31' Int'l
WBCCI 8638