Hello:
I've got a 2002 Explorer with the 4.6l V8, auto trans, and 4x4. I use it to tow a 4000 lb boat through mountain highways.
Since new I've had trouble getting smooth downshifts when towing up hills. If, anticipating an upcoming hill, I ease on the throttle and downshift manually from 4th to 3rd the truck will get a massive shudder as the transmission slams into 3rd. Nothing smooth about it. If I let the transmission shift itself by flooring the throttle, the shift is smoother, but not necessarily smooth.
Non-towing or towing on flats is not a problem. This is only when towing uphill.
The vehicle has done this since new. It's starting to bug me more though. It can't be good for the drivetrain.
Has anybody else seen this behavior? Any ideas for a fix? I haven't taken it to the dealer, but I imagine they would tell me it's "normal."
Larry