[gtmud]

Long,

I myself am from PA and have an idea of the road conditions ( NW Pa). Like Fred siad, when your climbing long grades like that of the turnpike, wait for the tranny to down shift, then drop the selector into 3rd. You'll notice alot more power. I too had an 00 XJ and loved the turnpike, kick it down in 3rd and watch everyone you pass! As far as down shifting, I never had a need for it, even while in Vermont, just let your foot off the gas and the tranny will do the rest, also when you are braking, don't hold the pedal down for a long period, too much heat, let off occasionally to cool the rotors down. IF your worried about over heating the tranny, you can purchase an Aux cooler for the tranny, but its not really nessacary unless your towing. I would say though, while I was in Vermont, climbing the mountians ( highway) there, after a while the mechanical fan clutch was engaged somuch that I could notice the lack of power. If you want look into replacing the mech. fan with an electric using an adjustable T-stat. It will save you a little gas and give you the extra power you need when climbing steep grades like those around Kinzua Dam and Jake's Rocks.