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-   4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/4-0-sohc-4-0-ohv-tech/)
-   -   Over Drive (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/4-0-sohc-4-0-ohv-tech/32353-drive.html)

Decepticon 04-27-2011 02:24 PM
Over Drive
 
Sorry for the total newb question here but, what exactly is over drive? to my knowledge it forces the transmission to cycle through the first few gears quicker to save fuel. If this is true, what is the benefit for having it off? And am i damaging my truck by leaving it on all the time?

matt224 04-27-2011 02:29 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
In simple words, it reduces the power output by lowering the gear ratio.

An overdrive gear can be any gear that is less than a 1:1 ratio (meaning the driveshaft is turning at a faster RPM than the engine).

SalRanger2 04-27-2011 02:30 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
yea its just a high gear pretty much

matt224 04-27-2011 02:31 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
Leave it on. The only time I would say to turn it off is when hauling a heavy load in the bed or towing. For a car, not using overdrive is better for accelerating and going uphill.

Decepticon 04-27-2011 02:31 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
well that was simple, so what are the benefits of having it off/on?

matt224 04-27-2011 02:31 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
An overdrive gear reduces fuel consupmtion and wear by making the engine work less to maintain a speed. An overdrive gear is NOT for acceleration.

Decepticon 04-27-2011 02:32 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt224 (Post 405045)
Leave it on. The only time I would say to turn it off is when hauling a heavy load in the bed or towing. For a car, not using overdrive is better for accelerating and going uphill.
so by having it off, will I experience worse mpg in the city? or no effect

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gotcha, thanks man

matt224 04-27-2011 02:34 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
The transmission isn't shifting any faster to get to OD with OD on. It simply allows OD to be shifted into. Leave OD on and let your transmission do the work for you

Teg360 04-27-2011 02:34 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
overdrives just saves you fuel like you said and makes it shift at lower RPMs. if you take it out of overdrive it will go to higher RPMs before it shifts

matt224 04-27-2011 02:37 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teg360 (Post 405051)
overdrives just saves you fuel like you said and makes it shift at lower RPMs. if you take it out of overdrive it will go to higher RPMs before it shifts
Not true. Having OD on will not cause the transmission to shift earlier or vice versa. The OD button simply gives the driver some control back when it comes to things like big hills, towing, etc. It has no bearing on shift points.

SalRanger2 04-27-2011 02:46 PM
Re: Over Drive
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt224 (Post 405054)
Not true. Having OD on will not cause the transmission to shift earlier or vice versa. The OD button simply gives the driver some control back when it comes to things like big hills, towing, etc. It has no bearing on shift points.
x2


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