Question on Towing with my '03 Impala LS...
#11
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I am going to be doing an oil change (full synthetic as that is what I run in it) before I leave and replacing 2 tires that are almost to the top of Lincoln's head on a penny. Gonna pack plenty of water and at least 1 gallon of 50/50 Dex Cool Anti-freeze. I won't be running the A/C through the Rockies, but I doubt I will have to during May. I will have plenty of other fluids (oil, brake, PS) on hand in case I need them. I am even putting together a full size spare with one of the old tired I am taking off. Any other suggestions you have, throw them my way. Just don't throw the too hard, I don't want to get hurt. hehe
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I think after a lot of thinking, I may just bypass the Rockies and take I40 east to Albuquerque, NM and the head north on I25 to Denver, CO then hit I80 east. It will add 7 hours and over 500 miles to my trip, but that may be better than risking my car.
#14
You don't want to tow like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4MQE...eature=related
or like this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYn_I...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4MQE...eature=related
or like this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYn_I...eature=related
#15
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You don't want to tow like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4MQE...eature=related
or like this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYn_I...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4MQE...eature=related
or like this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYn_I...eature=related
#16
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Hello,
Not to scare you, but if you do tow with this vehicle, keep it out of OD on any kind of load. This car has the 4T65E trans and they are stripping the splines on the 4th clutch hub on their own.Hope this helps
Not to scare you, but if you do tow with this vehicle, keep it out of OD on any kind of load. This car has the 4T65E trans and they are stripping the splines on the 4th clutch hub on their own.Hope this helps
#17
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Wouldn't running the 3.8L Impala in the interstate (55-65mph) all the time in 3rd cause the trans to run hot or damage it faster (granted you would run it in 3rd or lower during ups and downs)?
What is the average life (in miles) of the transmission on the '03 Impala or 4T65E trans?
What is the average life (in miles) of the 3.8L V6 3800 Series II (non-supercharged) Engine?
#18
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If you decide to come through Albuquerque, remember that it's a long pull from the Texas line to here. That elevation change is deceiving. Our elevation here is 5200 feet above sea level and I think its at 1200 in Amarillo. I see lots of cars and motorhomes on I-40 with cooked tranny's because they didn't drive in third up and down the steep inclines around here. Besides, at this elevation the motor will run crappy because the sensors haven't adjusted to the elevation changes and you end up running rich. So think out the trip in regards to elevation changes when towing. Could save you a ton of grief.
#19
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If you decide to come through Albuquerque, remember that it's a long pull from the Texas line to here. That elevation change is deceiving. Our elevation here is 5200 feet above sea level and I think its at 1200 in Amarillo. I see lots of cars and motorhomes on I-40 with cooked tranny's because they didn't drive in third up and down the steep inclines around here. Besides, at this elevation the motor will run crappy because the sensors haven't adjusted to the elevation changes and you end up running rich. So think out the trip in regards to elevation changes when towing. Could save you a ton of grief.
I replaced the Air Filter, PCV Valve, Cabin Filter and will very shortly be replacing the tires. Bought a brand new Aluminum Alloy Rim on eBay for $48.00 so I would have a full size spare so I am keeping one of the old tires to use on that. Getting Class II Hitch and wiring installed on Monday at a U-Haul Dealer. Just about ready. Should be a good trip.
#20
Sounds like you are making due diligence, DeHartShadow - more than most. Just for interest, I looked up the elevations: Mesquite NV=1600 ft. Flagstaff is almost 7000 ft. Deceiving. So Gwampa has a good point. For uphill runs, I would favor transmission selector at 3 instead of D, which would kick in overdrive. I'd go 55 or 60. RPMs will be up, MPG down, but I think it would be less load on the transmission (and engine).