Overdrive

[redneckrocket38]

I used to turn mine off around town. Then when I got it tuned I tried it with the od on and it doesent kick in till about 55, So mine stays in od now.

[Fla 66 cuda]

I leave mine on all the time in town it comes on at 38-40 mph so if you run in that area it's always hunting but milage is lousy with it off,in my first 3500 i left it on all the time even at 23,500 gross only had it kick off once on mount eagle fully loaded going up the grade about halfway up bells and lights came on, lost power scared the shit outta me thought i blew up my new truck,dropped it down to low creeped to the top and went on stopped at the next rest area checked the truck turned it back on and never had a problem after that.However i always turned it off on mount eagle after that unless i was running light.

[RamSport97]

With the 2nd gen 1500's it is NOT a good idea to drive with O/D on if you have anything heavier than 500 pounds in the bed or in tow. Most reputable transmission builders will tell you to turn your O/D off while in town. The overdrive module in our 46RE trannys are one of the main weak points. You will not burn any more gas with O/D on as long as you keep it around 45mph. The engine will maintain speed easier and won't be under load as much when you have o/d on (Which also makes the transmission happy by keeping it cooler). The ONLY time I use O/D is when I am traveling 55mph+.

And Adam, it is much peppier with O/D off. The O/D (4th) gear ratio is 0.69. If you have the standard 3.55 axle that is only a 2.45 final drive ratio! (Gutless).

3rd gen guys, throw all this out the window. But, you should still use Tow/Haul with anything over 500 pounds.

I would rather pay a little more for gas than 1500-2000 for a new Tranny. And lets face it, in the 90's, Dodge was not known for its superior transmissions!

[SmokedRam]

Yeah Patrick, I like it better with the OD off around town, seems like just driving around town, our second gens fall flat on their ass til your up above 50-55...at least mine does, cause ot seems like the OD kicks in at somewhere between 43-46 MPH

[RamSport97]

Originally Posted by 96MagnumRam Yeah Patrick, I like it better with the OD off around town, seems like just driving around town, our second gens fall flat on their ass til your up above 50-55...at least mine does, cause ot seems like the OD kicks in at somewhere between 43-46 MPH

Yes sir, it is much healthier for the transmission as well. If you get an SCT Tuner from Hemifever your OD will kick on around 55mph, you also get reduced torque management so the tranny isn't always hunting for the correct gear, rev limiter extended to 5200, and much more power to boot!

[SmokedRam]

I wish I had the extra bank for a SCT

[RamSport97]

Originally Posted by 96MagnumRam I wish I had the extra bank for a SCT

When the time comes you will love it. It seriously is the BEST bang for the buck for our 2nd gens. It will completley, entirely change the nature of your truck.

When it comes time for a 390 stroker, Hemifever is going to hook me up with some custom tunes. I excite!