1997 GMC Savana 2500

[2broke4this]

So a while back I asked about gear ratios for a different van... but that was for a different (lighter) boat. I came to the conclusion that the old van just wouldn't cut it with the new boat (1986 Ebko Biarritz 210SS). It really didn't enjoy towing up anything even resembling a hill (I was lucky to keep it at 55mph), so I ended up selling it. I am now the proud owner of a 1997 GMC Savana 2500 with 125,000 miles on it (traded the Oldsmobile for it). I know it's still a van and isn't ideal, but I didn't have to part with any money to get it. It is the heavier duty 8600 lbs GVWR with 8 lug wheels, the Vortec 350, and a 3.73 rear end. It also came with factory oil and transmission coolers, so I imagine it should do pretty well. The transmission is the 4L80-E and shifts quite well.

My question is this: The shifter only gives me the options of D-3-2-1... and there is no specific Tow/Haul button or any mention of turning Overdrive off... what gear should I use when I'm towing the boat?

Thanks for any help you might have!

-Carl

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

You should be able to tow in 4th with that transmission. In any case, if the transmission is "hunting" switch to the lower gear.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

There is no tow/haul mode and none is required. As for gear selections, D = overdrive or 4th. 3 = 3rd or direct, 2 and 1 are same as 1st and 2nd as they have been since the beginning of time. What destroys trannys is the continual "hunting" of the torque converter clutch as well as the shift between OD and 3rd. To learn what the torque converter release feels like, get on a straight level stretch of road and get up to about 45 or 50 MPH. While maintaining that speed, very lightly touch the brake pedal. You will feel the engine revs increase and if there is a tach, you will see the increase. This is not a downshift and the tranny stays in OD.- The torque converter has clutch in it that ties the engine directly to the input shaft of the tranny once you reach cruising speed. Engine vacuum, brake on or off, and road speed determines when the torque converter locks and unlocks. You don't want frequent locking and unlocking going on and if that occurs, shift to direct (3). An occasional unlock on a long grade is normal and won't hurt anything. It's the frequent changes that is not good.

 

[2broke4this]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

Thanks for the information! I thought that was how it was set up, but I'd rather ask and sound like a moron than be stuck on the side of the road... Now I just have to replace the brakes on the new towbeast and I'll be all set! I'm going to be towing the boat down to the Atlanta area sometime in the not too distant future (relocating from Indiana) and would like to avoid any problems through the hills on the way there. The info I've gotten from this site has been extremely helpful, so thanks again!

-Carl

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

That is a great transmission and is the same one they use with the 454.

 

[Ralphy]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

And it is not really so much a van as it is a 3/4 ton truck with a van body slapped on it. Built on the same platform. Should handle the job very well.

 

[2broke4this]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

Thanks again, it's good to hear that I shouldn't have any issues! I've been driving it around a bit today, and it's definitely a beast. d

 

[sc_shane]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

I had a 97 GMC Sierra truck with a 350 - basically the same setup you have with the same rear end. You just have a little more weight with the van body and interior stuck in it. When towing around here in SC, I left it in D 90% of the time. If I started going through mountains or steep inclines, I'd throw it in 3rd for the reasons everyone else is saying. When I had this truck I was hauling horses and other misc. large trailers and loads around - so the weight was probably similar or geater (depending on your boat weight). I got a newer truck with again, a similar setup.

I think you'll be really happy with this truck (van) - especially with all the covered cargo (fun toys for the lake\boat)! Enjoy it!

 

[2broke4this]

Re: 1997 GMC Savana 2500

Thanks again for all the replies... I've decided on a name for the van.... His name shall be BRUTUS! Now I just have to name the boat... I'm leaning toward "Loan Money"

Here are a few pictures of Brutus!