Is it normal to shift an automatic 1987 amc eagle wagon without applying the brake?

Answer 1

Yes on a vehicle of that age it is normal to be able to put in gear with out pressing the brake. I assume you mean down-shifting to a lower gear while slowing down? As with any automatic, when slowing down and shifting to a lower gear, applying the brake is assential, mandatory. This, not only slows down the vehicle and engine, but also, the drivetrain. Slowing the drivetrain makes it possible for the for the lower gear to be accepted at a lower speed. Otherwise, you could severely damage the transmission (unless you have a specially built racing tranmission). In most cases, the driveshaft will break at the universal joint at the end of the transmission resulting in the driveshaft spinning around and your rear wheels running over it, causing more damage. If the driveshaft breaks at the rearend the vehicle will just slow to a stop, through break action. Usually, you want to slow the vehicle down to below 40 mph to shift into 2nd gearthen, slow down to 15 mph to shift to 1st gear. However, when going forward from a lower gear to an upper gear, you naturally want to keep the revs up and shifting into an upper gear will cause you to go faster. No breaking is applied. Also, periodic use of all the gears say, 1st, up to and through 3rd, is better on the transmission and helps it to last longer. Good luck! Gears4Go