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Automatic Transmission question. Should i be driving in 3rd or (D)

Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:51 PM
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Default Automatic Transmission question. Should i be driving in 3rd or (D)

I've alwasy drove in third then shifted to (D) when driving over 55. But my friend the other day looked at me like i was crazy because i was driving in 3rd.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:52 PM
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D
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by RocketHardtop
I've alwasy drove in third then shifted to (D) when driving over 55. But my friend the other day looked at me like i was crazy because i was driving in 3rd.

Tell us why you think it's a good idea.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:57 PM
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I just always thought (D) since it had a circle around it was only for overdrive. I was probably wrong in that assumption.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by RocketHardtop
I just always thought (D) since it had a circle around it was only for overdrive. I was probably wrong in that assumption.
Well 4th gear is overdrive but depending on what Axle Gear Ratios you have 4th gear normally is wanted well before 55 mph. What RPM is your engine running when you shift into drive at 55mph?

Gear Ratios for the AW4 are 2.80, 1.53, 1.00 & .75.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/aw4.htm
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 07:19 PM
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No idea. I Just got the big clock. But i'm a build up speed guy. So probably not over 3500
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 07:33 PM
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The auto trans does a good job of shifting when correctly adjusted (kickdown cable). I don't think you're hurting anything by manually shifting into 4th (except maybe your gas mileage).

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 08:16 PM
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Let it shift by itself. The only time you should put it in 3 is when you are towing or just before you go up a hill. My rpms drop to 1100 before it shifts out of overdrive going up a hill. I shift into 3 manually before a hill because I'm on the gas way to much before it shifts into 3. It saves gas and is easier on the tranny to shift before.
Keep in mind I am stock with 3:55.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 08:39 PM
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As I understand 3rd just limits your engine so that it cant shift any higher. It's great for going down hills in the winter with bad road conditions. (D) allows it to shift into overdrive. Ayyy...I wish I had a manual trans.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 11:16 PM
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Your AW4 auto trans is a fantastic piece of equipment. Never had another vehicle that could take this much use, over 300000 miles and working like a charm.
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Old Mar 20, 2011 | 01:24 PM
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Thanks everyone. I'm now driving using (D).
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