I usually will drop the tranny into 3rd or 2nd gear on some of the big, long hills around here (on the descent), just so I have a more controlled ...

starspangled6.0 · by **starspangled6.0** [OP] » Feb 07 2011, 5:36pm

I usually will drop the tranny into 3rd or 2nd gear on some of the big, long hills around here (on the descent), just so I have a more controlled speed- I've never ever had any brake overheating issues, but it's nice to not have to use them, especially when towing. My question is, does downshifting and using the tranny as a brake hurt anything? Brakes are easy and cheap to work on, but transmissions aren't, so I don't want to screw around here.

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Hartski · by **Hartski** » Feb 07 2011, 5:56pm

Shouldn't hurt it, unless you whoopsi and jam it into 1st while you're doing 65

LBZDMAX · by **LBZDMAX** » Feb 07 2011, 6:01pm

Why do you think mine has a a 6spd manual option?

Not a biggie broseph.

Hartski · by **Hartski** » Feb 07 2011, 6:03pm

And the new Dmaxs have an engine braking option. A Jake brake, just like the big rigs!

LBZDMAX · by **LBZDMAX** » Feb 07 2011, 6:07pm

It's a turbo brake on the new Dmax. Push button. Nice feature.

(P.S. for all Dmax owners: EFI Live will allow you to have a 'turbo brake' on your pre '11 trucks.)

starspangled6.0 · by **starspangled6.0** [OP] » Feb 07 2011, 6:09pm

Good to know, gents. Thanks

Hartski · by **Hartski** » Feb 07 2011, 6:11pm

Turbo brake? now how exactly does that work?

lzn197 · by **lzn197** » Feb 07 2011, 6:51pm

Downshifting. If you downshift from OD to 3rd, first accelerate slightly as you pull the lever from OD to 3rd, THEN let off the gas. If you just pull it into 3rd after you let off the gas, a band has to work extra hard to stop a drum within the transmission and bands have a finite life. I personally do not recommend shifting down into 2nd for engine braking.

enginebuilder4life · by **enginebuilder4life** » Feb 14 2011, 5:47pm

If you're gonna do engine braking in second, add the 'vette servo. It's a 20 minute, $20 mod. Well worth doing.

LBZDMAX · by **LBZDMAX** » Feb 14 2011, 6:07pm

Hartski wrote:Turbo brake? now how exactly does that work?

EFI live has the ability to control the vanes on the turbo. For braking purposes it closes em up and in turn slows you down.

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I usually will drop the tranny into 3rd or 2nd gear on some of the big, long hills around here (on the descent), just so I have a more controlled ...

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