Re: Ultramatic Shifting Question

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/7/22 13:49:14

Dear Casey:

Opinions differ. Some opine that using Low is easier on the reaction member in the torque converter. My feeling is that Low to High range is a synchronous shift and not the greatest thing to be doing. However, in the case of a leisurely L/H transition I really don't know what to make of it. I always just put those things in High range because by the time you get to 15-20 mph under normal conditions it's equivalent to second in a three speed and soon going into direct.

For breakaway in today's driving I suppose you really need to use Low, except that I know of the method breaking the band when used in an extreme manner.

When set up properly the Twin UL does okay in Drive range, but when there's a valving problem the thing can be in two ranges at once so I just never drove the V-8 in anything but High range given that I didn't know whether it had the proper valve body updates.

If you feel any tendency for dragging in the Low High shift don't do it because you're putting the thing into two ranges at once.