I have a 2003 Dodge Sprinter. 2.7 diesel. 330,000 miles. I make deliveries in the city most days. Stay on city streets 95% of the time. The five speed tranny is original and well taken care of with regular fluid changes. I almost never go over 40-45 MPH in town. I hope to keep the transmission as long as the Sprinter. Many of these vehicles go 600,000 miles. Is it best to save a shift by keeping it in fourth gear while in the city. This saves one shift by not going into OD. It will go in OD at 40-45. Will this help the transmission by only needing four gear shifts instead of five. This question can be asked for all vehicles with OD if driving in the city. Thanks Scotty, GREAT SHOW!
I don't think it will save wear on the transmission by "saving" the shift. OD Off is meant for when your Sprinter is pulling a heavy load and it will not tow effectively in overdrive. You can sense this if the van's constantly going in and out of overdrive and 4th. You'll use more gas by not going into overdrive. You'll also increase engine wear simply because everything is spinning faster due to the lower gear ratio. It won't be significant, but it will be there.
