I live in a very hilly windy road area of northern California. I was using Tow/Haul mode quite a bit but noticed that even in that mode shifting was using too high a gear in many situations.
I started putting it in M mode and using second gear. In my 3.55 axle ratio running second gear between 2,500 and 4,200 rpms is perfect fro dealing with climbing through windy roads. It keeps the engine "on the cams" and provides very good, smooth, engine braking.
It really has brought the trucks performance alive.
Not sure how it would perform with other axle ratio's but my 355's seem to be a very good match for second gear use.

 

I have the Select shift in mine and use it to hold the gears, I have to row the Manual in my Mustang, still a lot more fun.

 

Unfortunately I don't have the Manual mode on mine. This transmission is constantly shifting ugh

 

I've used second gear in the city. I was also actually surprised at how well the truck handled it. The trans temps stayed under 100* on my 10 minute commute.

 

Hmmm, something new to try. Thanks guys!

 

Go for a custom tune and every gear will feel that way

I have 3.55 gears. Pretty often I'll drive in 2nd gear on windy roads and just let the truck rip. I detuned today for the first time to see the difference, considering I haven't driven the truck on the stock tune since I tuned it. And it was honestly night and day difference, truck honestly felt undriveable on the stock tune lol. I do have larger tires though.

Tuning these trucks is the best money you can spend on them IMO.

 

I'll sometimes do that, or more often I'll de-select 4-5-6 to get the same basic effect but it can go up a gear as load decreases. Where are you ? I'm a lifelong north valley native and know the north coast roads pretty well.

 

That's been my guilty pleasure for over 3yrs now. Locking out 4,5,& 6 and turning on tow/haul. Suddenly I own big giant mustang..!

Feels good to finally admit that I do occasionally use my truck for some smile inducing romping. And that is why I love my V8!

 

I usually drive fairly conservatively to maximize gas mileage but... sometimes headed out to the ranch there won't be another car on the horizon and I'll just put it down and let it run. Gas mileage be damned! I have a 6.2/3.73 and it can consume real estate and gasoline with equal enthusiasm when you lay into it.

 

By the way my truck is a 2011 5.0 XLT with the shift up on the column. by the steering wheel.
Anyhow running in 2nd gear with the hellwig swaybar it accelerates and handles well.