sprink94

My '94 C4 convertible with 4LE60 transmission seems to have different ratios when the gear shift is in the "D" position or 3rd gear than when it's in overdrive. I know this sounds odd but the 1st three gears seem to pull harder and the tach winds to a higher RPM at any given road speed in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears....as opposed to when the selector is in the OD position.

I know this would be obvious in 3rd vs 4th or overdrive but why in 1st and 2nd? It feels like the final drive ratio jumps from 2.59 (which sucks !!) to maybe 3.08. Is there something in the 4LE60 in these cars that allows more converter slip perhaps when the selector is put in the 3rd gear position ? Just wondering.

confab

No.. The ratios remain constant. Now, what you might get is a little line pressure bump in the manual select gears and a change in the shift schedule. You also get engine brake because the coast clutch comes on.

But the ratios are the same.

sprink94

So I'm thinking...if there is a converter lock up in OD and not in 3rd that could be the difference.

I used to have a side business putting 350s with 700R4s in S-10 pick ups and we used to put an on/off switch for converter lock up on those set ups. Worked nicely for towing in hilly terrain. The driver could switch converter lock off and avoid the transmission shifting down. The 350 in a S-10 was a nice package...always wondered why GM never offered it.

confab

Yeah.. Lockup on the older ones felt like another shift.

Dropped the rpm's considerably. It will feel like a transmission gear ratio change.