86cj
Explorer
My question to all you heavy TJ and LJ Jeeps is:
If I select a ratio like 5:38 or 5:13, will the O/D stay engaged with the throttle input needed to cruise 65MPH when heavily loaded and in windy conditions or on grades other than flat (not steep mountains of course). If I have to shift to 3rd or 1:1 often, the RPM's will really be to high for normal highway speeds (mid 3000's) and slowing to 55-60 (3000RPM) would be a bummer if it something that occurs often on day of big miles.
I run 33's and 3:73 in my heavy LJ and when not in O/D I run about 2700RPM at Hwy speed and can climb most any mountain with traffic and get decent MPG, with a little better power at 3000RPM. I know if I get down below 2200RPM in 3rd it will tend to down shift to 2nd more easily. It seems like 4:88 or 4:56 would be better if I spend alot of time in 3rd, but they bring the RPM's in O/D closer to 2000 rpm at 65MPH and could cause the downshift. My seat of the pants tells me 5:13 or 5:38 could be the sweet spot, IF the transmission can stay in O/D except on the most unusual grades or loads.
This is really a seat of the pants or 42RLE drivability issue as much as a math RPM question. I was thinking you guys who tow are even more loaded than I am and probably have an opinion on this O/D subject.
I like my 33's but can't rule out 35's some time after the re-gear, so if you run 35's don't be afraid throw in your 2 cents.
Thanks again........... the experience here is amazing
If I select a ratio like 5:38 or 5:13, will the O/D stay engaged with the throttle input needed to cruise 65MPH when heavily loaded and in windy conditions or on grades other than flat (not steep mountains of course). If I have to shift to 3rd or 1:1 often, the RPM's will really be to high for normal highway speeds (mid 3000's) and slowing to 55-60 (3000RPM) would be a bummer if it something that occurs often on day of big miles.
I run 33's and 3:73 in my heavy LJ and when not in O/D I run about 2700RPM at Hwy speed and can climb most any mountain with traffic and get decent MPG, with a little better power at 3000RPM. I know if I get down below 2200RPM in 3rd it will tend to down shift to 2nd more easily. It seems like 4:88 or 4:56 would be better if I spend alot of time in 3rd, but they bring the RPM's in O/D closer to 2000 rpm at 65MPH and could cause the downshift. My seat of the pants tells me 5:13 or 5:38 could be the sweet spot, IF the transmission can stay in O/D except on the most unusual grades or loads.
This is really a seat of the pants or 42RLE drivability issue as much as a math RPM question. I was thinking you guys who tow are even more loaded than I am and probably have an opinion on this O/D subject.
I like my 33's but can't rule out 35's some time after the re-gear, so if you run 35's don't be afraid throw in your 2 cents.
Thanks again........... the experience here is amazing