Nice post, Longshot! And, Mike, you use the O/D button the way I do pretty much. I've never worried about it in windy conditions, but in hilly terrain when the transmission is constantly downshifting and upshifting or the torque converter is unlocking and locking, then I lock it out. I'm perfectly happy to tow with the O/D on, if the transmission is not having to keep switching to maintain speed.
Yes, it does give SOME engine braking when going downhill when locked out and 2nd gear gives even more. I use both as needed. The stress on an engine/transmission combination is no worse, in my opinion, during engine braking than it is under acceleration. But, you can easily overheat brakes (even disk brakes) when going down twisty mountain roads. I hate seeing the constant brake lights on in the vehicles ahead of me in these conditions. Even more, I hate smelling their overheated brakes!
Comm Gear shows O/D as 4th gear, unless you have a 2009+ truck (they have 6 gear ranges).
- Jack
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