Hey guys,

Seems like there several typical questions that come up about towing (by myself especially ) and I thought might be cool to a have a single thread that lists the consensus view on various topics:

for example,

1) Should I tow with OD on?
2) How come the MT tow limits are soo much lower than the AT limits. Can I tow with an MT?
3) How to measure tranny temps?
4) What tranny temps are too high?
5) How can I stop my rear end from sagging ? Airbags? Helpersprings?

Just some ideas, I'm sure there are more out there.

I suppose the problem is there are some items that are debatable. But it would be great to have a single thread that someone moderates so that the first post has the most agreed upon standpoints.

 

1. Opinions vary.
2. The M5OD has a weak input shaft, the Super Dutys with the ZF can tow almost as much as with an auto. You certainly can.
3. Depends on year and tranny.
4. Opinions vary, and it also depends on what fluid you use.
5. Yes.

Bottom line, there are just too many opinions, there is no single correct answer to any of your 5 points except #2.

 

Yes, debatable... here are my $0.02

1) Should I tow with OD on?
Depends on how much weight you are towing, what terrain your are traveling and even what elevations your are at. Generally speaking if you are "up there" in trailer weight you should be towing with OD off... the trans will "hunt" less.

2) How come the MT tow limits are soo much lower than the AT limits. Can I tow with an MT?
Are you talking tires?

3) How to measure tranny temps?
With a gage... lots of choices here.

4) What tranny temps are too high?
200?

5) How can I stop my rear end from sagging ? Airbags? Helpersprings?
Tackle less weight? (I'm just being a smart a$$)

 

2. MT = manual transmission, AT = automatic transmission.