Torque Converter Lockup

[glennbur]

I have a 97 Yukon with a 5.7L and 4l60E transmission. I pull a 5000lb camper, sometimes in the mountains.

While towing up a steep grade I'll pull it down into 2nd gear, run at 2800 RPM and chug up the hill.

Can anyone tell me if the TC will lockup in 2nd gear? I plan on towing out West this fall and I'm sure the grades will be longer if not steeper.

Thanks,

Glenn

[snoman]

I have a 97 Yukon with a 5.7L and 4l60E transmission.  I pull a 5000lb camper, sometimes in the mountains.

While towing up a steep grade I'll pull it down into 2nd gear, run at 2800 RPM and chug up the hill.

Can anyone tell me if the TC will lockup in 2nd gear?  I plan on towing out West this fall and I'm sure the grades will be longer if not steeper.

Thanks,

Glenn

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

No it will not lock up in 2nd, only 3rd and 4th. If you are running 2nd a lot now, you have too tall a axle ratio for the load you are hauling. If you want to make you trip more pleasant you should regear the axles in your truck because not only are the grades out west longer and steeper at times, the air is thinner and there will be less power to climb them with.

[glennbur]

Thanks for the reply Snoman. I have a 3.73 rear ratio with a tow package. I looked

into changing to 4.10 but with the 4x4 it would run me about $2000. I don't tow in

the mountains often enough to spend the money.

Thanks again

Glenn

[snoman]

Thanks for the reply Snoman.  I have a 3.73 rear ratio with a tow package.  I looked

into changing to 4.10 but with the 4x4 it would run me about $2000.  I don't tow in

the mountains often enough to spend the money.

Thanks again

Glenn

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

For what it is worth, you can get two sets of quality gears on line (Yukon or Precision) for about 300 bucks and some change and if you shop around you can likely get them installed for 400 to 600 bucks and get the whole thing done for less than a grand or so and that is a lot cheaper than a new tranny in a older SUV on vacation! (not to mention the lost time too) The last place to get them swapped out at is a dealer if you value your money.