Going down a hill backwards while in DRIVE

[2TimingTom]

Bad?

So anyway, there's a steep hill behind a strip mall around here. Over the years, trucks have worn a path into the hill. I've always wanted to try it and today was the day.

At first I tried 4 HIGH. I got mid-way up the hill before it was just too much. I wasn't getting any wheel spin, but the engine would rev. Off the brakes I just rolled backwards down the hill- not that fast as I was modulating speed with the brakes. Once at the bottom, I realized that going backwards like that while in DRIVE might not have been the smartest thing.

Put it in 4 LO and conquered the hill.

So anyway- don't do that again or no big deal?

 

[tgreene92]

no big deal, its normal to roll down a steep incline while in drive. thats why we have four low, so you can conquer things like those hills.

 

[Glen4X4]

The torque converter slips so it avoids much wear on the tranny but still not the smartest thing to do. Congratulations on conquering the hill though

 

[Rick]

I can't imagine that's a good thing... Either you're building up a ton of heat in the torque converter, or something is slipping in the transmission, or both. Something is being stressed out big time... I sure wouldn't try it again.

 

[IZwack]

On a really steep incline, the transmission's fluid pickup will go dry effectively disconnecting the transmission from the engine - causing the vehicle to suddenly roll backwards.
THread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1572488#post1572488

 

[2TimingTom]

Here's the hill:

I don't think it's steep enough- it's certainly not as steep as those hills mentioned in the above thread.

I won't do it again, I promise. Next time I get into a situation like that, I'll put it in neutral and either back down or put it in 4LO.

 

[sport97]

Hmmm, I know I could make it up that in 4 high.

 

[Glen4X4]

Yeah...I believe so too.

 

[2TimingTom]

Well, maybe that's where my 3.55 gears come into play.

Or maybe because I had a ZERO starting speed and took it slow.

 

[Glen4X4]

I have 3.55's and 33's in the D.D. but...do you have the SOHC? if that's the case I can see that, since I have that in my 00