Re: NON-Q: How To Improve Ford Pickup Brakes - HELP

[FBFISH@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/21/99 1:08:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
bernardl@acumenassociates.com writes:

<< What is particularly important is to use engine
 braking when going down long grades.  My Bronco with 3 speed automatic goes
 into 2nd for downhill grades, and you have to drive slower than normal to
 accommodate the lower gear.
 
 With a '98 you likely have an overdrive.  At least put it into D without
 overdrive, and drop it to 2nd for longer downhill grades. >>

Folks- If you have an automatic be careful with this advice. Using the torque 
converter to brake the vehicle without it being locked generates LOTS of 
undesireable heat. On long steep downgrades,the fluid can get so hot it can 
melt some of the plastic connectors used in the lines between the tranny and 
the cooler. If you want to use engine braking with an automatic get a torque 
converter lock-up switch installed. An aux cooler would not be a bad idea 
either.
Frank Santoro
1990 V8
1998 A8
1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel