Towing a 3023 with V-6 a 2007 Trailblazer

Originally Posted by Bill & Lisa

Thanks Bert, Can you share your reasons for only driving in 3rd with the 3.42?

Bill

Bill, I stay in 3rd gear for about 3 reasons:
(1) With the 3.42 axle, there is too much down shifting and torque converter unlocking for my personality :-)
(2) In 3rd gear, as I understand it, the transmission is not using any gears. It simply spins as a "lump" giving 1:1 ratio
(3) The transmission gentleman, who installed my transmission cooler, said "do not even consider driving in overdrive"

At 2500 RPM I think the I6 engine is doing just fine (overhead cams etc) and the MPG (15-16) seems reasonable. Overall, cooler running and less shifting in the transmission.

I chose the 3.42 axle on purpose for Trailmanor towing fully intending to use 3rd gear full time. Without the TM, I can get a little better highway mileage in OD. However, the price I pay is a rather sluggish LOW gear. Like getting away from a STOP sign.