Going downhill in low gear

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BRX0102

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So, I don't have DAC, but I'm smart enough to know to switch to Low Gear when going downhill to save the breaks from heating up and wearing out. But, my friend lives at the top of the hills and when I go to pick him up/drop him off, i have to exit using this very steep and winding road. Now, even after downshifting to low, the incline is so steep the car basically can easily get up to speeds of 45+ which I then basically use my brakes too...

Is it bad for the car to be at those speeds?
 
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BRX0102 said:
So, I don't have DAC,
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You're in the 4th gen forum so I'll assume that's what you have. That means you do have DAC but that's only in low range at very slow speeds so doesn't apply.

BRX0102 said:
Now, even after downshifting to low, the incline is so steep the car basically can easily get up to speeds of 45+ which I then basically use my brakes too...

Is it bad for the car to be at those speeds?
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45+mph in 1st gear? (I can't imagine a paved hill that steep. San Francisco?) You must have the 4-speed transmission. The manual lists 41mph as tops for 1st gear so I'd say, yeah, 45 is too high. Use the brakes to keep to 40 or less.
 
Maybe I'm misunderstanding but isn't that exactly what the brakes are for? Slowing down? I can see if you are having to ride them A LOT going down a long stretch of a mountain pass but going 45 in first gear so you don't have to use your brakes down a hill seems reckless, dangerous and downright stupid. I would rather replace my brakes a little earlier than normal than replace my transmission.

Sorry in advance if I'm missing something obvious.
 
Its in monterey. Its a really steep, winding road. Obviously I'm not going to go 45 in first, I'm not re****ed. I did say I used my brakes to slow down even further. Besides, I don't go there all the time, maybe just a few times a year when we both return for break.

And if I'm not mistaken, DAC is only on specific models. 2003 V8 2wd doesn't have it.
 
Its in monterey. Its a really steep, winding road. Obviously I'm not going to go 45 in first, I'm not re****ed. I did say I used my brakes to slow down even further. Besides, I don't go there all the time, maybe just a few times a year when we both return for break.

And if I'm not mistaken, DAC is only on specific models. 2003 V8 2wd doesn't have it.
 
DAC would not be used in the situation you described. It is only used when LOW range is selected on 4WD models. It holds the truck at very low speed and is not intended for on-road use.

IMO, its cheaper to replace your brakes than your tranny. Don't over do it when dropping into a lower gear at speed. Its taking the load and energy normally handled and dissipated by the brakes and transferring it to the gears and the transmission system components. If you are in a hilly area, apply the brakes until you reach the desired speed. If the adaptive transmission is working, it should hold a lower gear for you. You then use a combination of braking along with the ATs lower gear selection to keep the desired speed.
 
rook said:
DAC would not be used in the situation you described. It is only used when LOW range is selected on 4WD models. It holds the truck at very low speed and is not intended for on-road use.

IMO, its cheaper to replace your brakes than your tranny. Don't over do it when dropping into a lower gear at speed. Its taking the load and energy normally handled and dissipated by the brakes and transferring it to the gears and the transmission system components. If you are in a hilly area, apply the brakes until you reach the desired speed. If the adaptive transmission is working, it should hold a lower gear for you. You then use a combination of braking along with the ATs lower gear selection to keep the desired speed.
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I agree, but where I live it's much more advisable to use tranny braking when going down long stretches of mountain highway. The adaptive tranny does help, but manually shifting into a lower gear feels like it gives me much more control going downhill. IMHO...
 
Use the brakes, they're designed for it. The only reason I would add in engine braking is if you're hauling a heavy load and there's a chance that your brakes could overheat and fail.

Otherwise, the 4Runner just braking its own weight (w/o a load) and going down at a moderate speed (<60 mph) shouldn't have a problem.

Roll down the window and if you can smell your brakes frying, then downshift. If you can feel brake fade, then down shift.

Otherwise, use the brakes.

Honestly, if you're doing massive braking on a regular basis then look at upgrading your brakes. There's little you can (and should) do elsewhere.
 
Alrighty then. (Been awhile, but I got back to this! ha)

Thanks for the input. I'll just use the brakes, but it is a long ass road. He just HAD to live in the posh area didn't he... haha.
 
I drive a mountain pass 5 days a week it is 54 mile long starting at 7000 feet topping out at 9658 and going back down 6750. I have been driving this pass for 4 years now and use my transmission for down hill braking. When I started this commute the car had 19,000 miles it now has 156,000 miles on it with out one transmission problems. By the way the car still has it's original brake pads and shoes. The vehicle is a 2004 Scion (Toyota) xA and it has also survived hitting two elk and two deer.

CAD-Man
 
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