Towing in 3rd gear on a 1300 mile trip
I have a 1997 GMC k1500 Z71 5.7 liter with 20000 miles and a 4L60e transmission with only 2000 miles, I will be towing a 3000# dry weight TT from Louisiana to Colorado. I plan on breaking the trip int...
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3rd gear in the old 700R4 tranny then later in '90 was re'id to the 4L60 and then the 4L60E would be the best gear to tow in.
As others with experience said 4th gear is the OD gear. Even with my 4.10 gears the 5.7 isn't one of the new gen high rpm/high hp engines we have today so it will continually shift up and down with a good size trailer. Use 3rd gear and keep the TC clutch locked.
My 1st one was a '86 5.7 700R4 and put over 180k miles on it with one valve body rebuild.
The 2nd was a 4L60 5.7 I put 235k miles on it with a rebuild at 165k miles. This one pulled doubles for eight years (7600 gvwr 5er and 3400 lb bass boat).
The 3rd was 4L60E had 78k miles and pulled a 10k car hauler flatbed trailer with my blue tractor. No issues.
Good stout tranny for for that era and what its used for if you change fluid/filter once a year and don't abuse it. They don't take abuse very well.
As others with experience said 4th gear is the OD gear. Even with my 4.10 gears the 5.7 isn't one of the new gen high rpm/high hp engines we have today so it will continually shift up and down with a good size trailer. Use 3rd gear and keep the TC clutch locked.
My 1st one was a '86 5.7 700R4 and put over 180k miles on it with one valve body rebuild.
The 2nd was a 4L60 5.7 I put 235k miles on it with a rebuild at 165k miles. This one pulled doubles for eight years (7600 gvwr 5er and 3400 lb bass boat).
The 3rd was 4L60E had 78k miles and pulled a 10k car hauler flatbed trailer with my blue tractor. No issues.
Good stout tranny for for that era and what its used for if you change fluid/filter once a year and don't abuse it. They don't take abuse very well.
