I've owned my '99 SR5 for a couple of years now. But the owners manual doesn't specify very well how to shift and use the various features of the automatic transmission along with ECT button. So, the intention of this post is the following:

How can I take full advantage of shifting and ECT? Here is one example: when I'm on the highway about a 45 mph and want to pass a car, should I shift to 2 using the ECT? Will this generate more acceleration power?

For a fast start, with the truck not moving is it convenient to use low and press all the way down the accelerator , rev til 3 or 4 thousand and then shift to 2 rev again to 3 or 4k and then Drive? Will these damage the engine?

The other question is regarding compression. I've noticed that during down hill driving using 2 don't use engine braking much, it's better using L, but the thing with L is that the engine revs a lot, and I don't know if this is harmful for it.

Finally, what about when speeding with the truck and you need to deacelerate quickly, say I'm going 50 and want to help the brakes with 2 and L, can I engage L at approximately 35 mph?

I would really appreciate shifting techniques from you guys.

Regards,

JJ