Overdrive button / switch

[LakeBeard]

I turn mine on as soon as get on the freeway, then turn it back off when I exit. On my trip to Sand Holllow, I would have to turn it on/off consistently to try and keep up w/ traffic...I was fighting for my life in the slow lane when the speed limit was 75MPH

 

[Strizzo]

If you run stock size tires and have 3.73 gears in yours, it likely won't be an issue OD on or off. I'm running 5.13 gears and 33s and it has no problem pulling up the small hills and overpasses we have around here in OD at 45-50mph, but it would still be nice if it held onto 3rd a bit longer.

 

[DuckNut]

Discussed this with my wife. This came up when I told her to turn it off unless on the freeway. She is the money saver in the relationship, but doesn't drive the TJ much. Said she would never turn it off because you're saving gas. She also didn't know the button was there. I'm the opposite, looking to enjoy life. TJ life is less enjoyable with OD on.

It's not like we're talking about a vehicle with 400HP. We're at half that. So it's not like you're throwing money in the trash by turning off the OD. You're choosing to use what little power it has and not have odd issues with slowing down and speeding up. If you prefer less power and more money, leave it on.

I could care less about saving $2 on gas. I have 40+ cars and only a handful achieve double digit mileage.

I guess, from reading this, it comes down to driving style and terrain. I have only lived on flat ground. Maybe if i daily'd in mountains i would have a different perspective.

 

[LJBean]

My experience with the OD switch is it's a better drive with the OD on. With the OD off, 3rd gear also has a lock-up that hinders shift points, so when accelerating it wants to grab into 3rd gear early and is stubborn to downshift. With OD on, there isn't a lock-up in 3rd gear, so I get better shift action under acceleration, and it seems to downshift easier when I get on the gas.

For a while I ran the mod that automatically switched off OD when the shifter passed through reverse, but ended up pulling the ground on the relay to run with OD on.

In my case, the factory design takes the win. I am running 35s with 4.88 gears and a 4.6 stroker tho, so that might play into the equation. So much for factory, I guess
: )

 

[AndyG]

Basically the choice is typically driven by tire size, gearing, terrain and driving habits.

Flat ground and stock tires and gears and the OD works- maybe barely, but barely is enough.

Most any other configuration and you may like it better off.

My TJ goes off by default with 33’s and 4:88. It is a blast to drive.

My LJ does not- but will soon.

My main love for killing the OD is less slipping and longer transmission life, and better acceleration. It just winds it up a little more than needed is the downside.

It is still not perfect, but is the lesser of 2 evils to me.