[VAC] Re: transmission discussions

[jere potter <potterjrp@xxxxxxxx>]

Jon- I also have the same transmission E40D (Auto), I believe, in my '95 F150,
and have had no problems with it. Currently, I am at about 68k with it. Changed
the fluid earlier this year. I tow my '64 Safari about twice a year. It is the
towing package on a supercab 4x4. I chose the 302 engine, which is fine for the
99% of the time I am not towing. I could use more power in the mountains
uphill, but hey- I used to have a VW bus, and that taught me to take my time.
First time in a long time I have lived with 8 cylinders.
I do actively shift the transmission while going Up and down. If the engine
seems to lug, I will downshift, getting higher RPMs & HP, and maintaining
better speed.   But generally do not tow in OD. I will sometimes IF I am on a
long gradual downgrade, where I am helped by gravity. If it begins to want to
change between 3rd & OD, I will manually lock it out and keep it in 3rd. Any
more of a downgrade I will downshift to help hold me back and save the brakes.
Since it's usually in the Mountains, this is the best time for the driver (me)
to enjoy the scenery, too. For the most of the time I tow in 3rd, my mileage
averages out to about 10 mpg. Even with the dual tanks, It gives me a good
range. When not towing, it's more like 17 mpg, with a 400 mile range.
So, not everybody is having transmission problems (knock on wood). I have read
other reviews of this transmission that consider it very reliable.
When I bought , the stated towing capacity for the manual trans was about half
of what the auto could pull. I would rather have a manual  with a higher degree
of control for mtn driving, but have gotten used to the auto. 
Jere Potter
Ft Collins CO