[VAC] Re: Towing in Overdrive

[NotoriousBuz@xxxxxxx]

In the fall of 97 we bought a Chevy Express van 5.7 ltr, 373 rear. The manual 
says to tow in OD. Up until last fall 2000 I didn't believe it and towed in 
3rd. My indicator says 1,2,3,D, D has the overdrive. This whole year I towed 
in D. Not only did the gas mileage increase by 3-4 mph but going up hills the 
auto shifting found gearing [for the lack of better words] that I cannot 
obtain by using the shifter. Going up hills was much easier. I don't know 
much about the inner workings of transmissions i.e. torque converter lockup 
and such. But it was a noticeable difference in the amount of work the engine 
had to do compared to the previous years. I pay special attention to the 
transmission "hunting for gears" and this I do not let it do. In short I hope 
I haven't damaged it by not using OD in previous years. Who knows? The dealer 
can't shed any light on this.

J.L.Dietz #4361