Care & Feeding of Automatic Transmissions

[BigWaffles]

Hi all from a long time lurker. I just updated my ranger with a new 2010 model; I have the basic XL, Reg Cab 2.3L auto (manual not an option for me). I'm familiar with the rangers (this is my 5th), but this is my first automatic trans with a 4cyl. One thing I've noticed is on hills and with a load I have to run it pretty hard in the lower gears. I've been doing a lot of reading on the forums about the affects of heat on the automatic (kills it, mostly) and was wondering under what conditions that heat is generated. I know that most heat is generated when the torque converter is unlocked and/or the transmission is hunting between gears (constantly shifting). I was wondering about the following:

1. With the lock-up torque converter locked and the transmission in gear (not shifting), wouldn't it act like a manual (i.e. no slipping, minimal heat)?

2. When I’m going up a hill and hit the gas, the torque converter unlocks. If I hit the gas harder, it will downshift. I'm assuming its ok to take a short hill with the torque converter unlocked but bad for longer hills?

3. When hauling a small load (1000# or so) is it ok to run in OD on flat ground? With the converter locked and if it's not trying to downshift it should be ok right?

4. Is there any way to lock the transmission in 3rd gear? I know the OD switch will limit it to 4th and moving the selector to 2 will lock it into 2nd. Can this be done for 3rd or is it best just to turn OD off and let the trans select its own gear?

5. I plan on taking a full load with a small trailer (2000# total weight) down the Alcan in July. Aside from adding a cooler, what would you recommend as far as driving & shifting habits that will minimize the heat and wear on the transmission?

I know this is long and if it’s been covered please point me to the post; my reading covered this in general but nothing too specific.

I plan on using this truck to tow a small tent trailer and camping gear when I move to the states this summer and want to ensure that I'm treating the transmission well so it will last. Thanks for any help you can provide.


C.P.T.

 

[martin]

I think that one of the biggest things in trying to keep things together is understanding what's happening and trying to avoid unecessary abuse. Judging by your post you seem to have that covered. An additional cooler is always a good idea, especially if you're towing anything. Having lockup capability in the lower gears is not a bad idea but I doubt it can be easily done with the later transmissions.

 

[TRH]

You sound pretty careful as it is. Adding a cooler should give you the piece of mind you're looking for, as long as you're not flooring the hell out of it up a hill..overheating is usually not an issue.

1. It removes the fluid coupling from the phase, so..basically, yes.
2. It's normal and a-ok for it to unlock. It gives you the torque multiplication you need for climbing hills.
3. Yep.
4. Not that I'm aware of. Probably safest to just leave it out of OD and let it do its own thing, TCM's are pretty smart.
5. Gently. That's all there is to it. Keep an eye on the fluid level when you stop.

 

[BigWaffles]

Thanks for the replies, it looks like I'm headed in the right direction. Does anybody have a link for a How-To guide for installing a cooler? Also, which line is the pressure line on the 5R44E? Thanks.


C.P.T.

 

[BigWaffles]

Disregard my question about the installation guide, I was able to Google a copy of the Perma-Cool installation instructions. Now if I can just identify the pressure and return lines... Back to Google.


C.P.T.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Not sure if it'll still fit, but there are these guys too:

http://www.yourcovers.com/transpan_9614-2.php

They fit Ford: 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R55E, A4LD ; Deep sump pan

I don't know if that's close enough to the 5R44E to work or not. I've never been much of an automatic guy, but supposedly these things really help out with temperatures.

They do custom orders too. 25 or more orders for a certain part and they'll make a set. Maybe if enough members on TRS get together for a group buy they could make some neat stuff for the other Ranger transmissions.

 

[BigWaffles]

Captain Ledd,

Thanks for the link, those look pretty nice. Unfortuanately the truck is less than a week old, I don't think the Ford warranty folks would like me cracking open the trans this early in the game.


C.P.T.