is shifting an auto 4speed tranny bad, harmful, to the transmission or other parts?

I would say that it probably doesnt help a lot, and also if you have the 4sd it is the 4t40e transmission which is shifted by the computer anyway. sometimes when im decelerating when im coming up to a light i put it in third or second and listen to the engine rev up and hear the exhaust groan, but while just driving i dont shift it.

It's pointless and nothing at all like having a manual.

The only reason you've got more than just D to select from for forward movement is because you need a way to select a lower gear for descents down extended grades.

Apparently there's some need to choose gears when towing as well, though I have no idea what it is. I suspect it's for the same reason as the grades... to use the engine to help with braking due to the extra load put on the car from the trailer.

Wild Weasel wrote:It's pointless and nothing at all like having a manual.

exactly. why try to shift and auto? no one can shift better than an auto trans