95 Chevy Silverado

[Jeff H]

I own a 95 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton with a 350 engine, no tow package and a 3.43 rear end. I tow a 4000lb boat and am concerned about overheating the transmission. When going up inclines, the engine temp reaches 200 degrees. Is this a normal temp incline? Am I pushing the limits of the transmission with higher engine temps.

 

[RJS]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

If you're heating up the engine, you definately heating up the transmission. Have your fluid changes and while you're at it, have transmission fluid cooler added.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Do not tow in Overdrive!! As RJS says, put on the largest cooler you can fit. Remove the upper rad support and check for fuzz and bugs plugging the rad.(hidden from site by the A/C condenser). <br /><br />Change your ATF oil as often as engine oil, and cut filter open each time to inspect for filings and even broken components.....<br /><br />I ain't lying!

 

[RJS]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Schematic,<br />Great suggestions...Shift Kit and Oil Cooler too?

 

[DJ]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeff H,<br /><br />Schematic gives good advice. The only thing that bothers me is that 200 degrees in a modern engine is NOT HOT! The engine can handle 230 easily. Running a modern engine cold at 160 to 180- degrees is asking for trouble-poor fuel economy, carbon deposits, etc. At 160 degrees the engine will never get into closed loop.<br /><br />Transmissions build up heat because of torque convertor slippage.<br /><br />Your 3.43 axle ratio is quite high for towing 4000 pounds. Something in the 3.7 to 4.10 range would make a big difference in towing performance. Changing it however opens up another can of worms.

 

[Jeff H]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Thanks for the advice. Looks like my first priority is to add a transmission oil cooler. Good to hear that 200 degrees is within the normal operating range of the engine.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeff..everyone is right on the money. As a matter of fact in newer vehicles the thermostat is critical for proper fuel burning. Some people have attempted to lower the engine tem with a colder thermostat and only get into differant problems.<br /><br />I would also like to suggest that you follow the advice to consider a "Transmission Shift Kit" they are available to improove towing. <br /><br />Bob

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeff h<br />just out of curiousity, is there a sticker on the door post that warns against towing in overdrive?<br /><br />Couple more thing:<br /><br />>since I don't know your location, be sure to get a cooler with progessive passages that will allow flow at cold temperatures. Some of the cheaper coolers restrict flow when fluid is thickened by sub zero temperatures.<br />>If you don't put in a shift-kit, back off on the throttle just before it upshifts, to save the clutch packs.<br /><br />

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

does this 95chevy have a switch to turn off the overdrive? if so, then just remember to use it when towing your boat -343 is a fuel saver, and swapping rearends is pricey. <br />kudos to the info on engine temp. <br />i'd add a tranny cooler for sure. if you can't turn off the overdrive, then i'd weigh cost of swapping rearends to just putting in a shift kit.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

ebbtide176 <br /> <br />His O/D is locked out by the shiftlever position...

 

[Jeff H]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

You are right, I can not shift out of overdrive. I saw references to a tranny shift kit. Not familiar with this option. What is it? What are the benefits, and is it difficult to install?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeffh<br /><br />You CAN shift out of O/D<br /><br />your shifter reads P-R-N-OD-3-2-1 or P-R-N-OD-D-2-1<br /><br />If you select "3" or "D", you lock out over-drive...

 

[RJS]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeff H,<br />A shidt kit is best installed by a transmission shop. I believe that they firm up the shifts. Automatic transmissions have slip built into them to create a smoother transition between gears. The downside is that slip cause heat build up, which is made worse when towing.

 

[mikeblare]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

Jeff first things first One of my closest friends is the service manager for my local chevy garage I have basically the same vehicle. The only thing he recomended if yours doesnt have it already which you should check. Is add a tranny cooler. 4000lbs is not much for this vehicle How long of an incline are we talking about? I pull in NW PA pretty hilly area Iuse OD and my tranny only drops down on very long inclines OD is actually recommended for towing except on long steep inclines. By the way my boat and trailer and jet ski ( my trailer is custom built for both top out over 5000lbs and my horse trailer loaded is around 6000lbs). Install the tranny cooler use a class 4 hitch check your trailer brakes and go tow your boat.

 

[Walter]

Re: 95 Chevy Silverado

I have the identical truck. Do not tow in overdrive...move shifter to 3. That is if yours is an automatic....