Until I can afford a CTD I have to tow with a '96 Grand. I have a few simple, hopefully, questions I hope ya'll can help with.

First, I purchased a real nice WD hitch and the PO gave me two shanks with it. One has more drop and is longer coming out of the receiver than the other. Will this matter is how it tows? Basically, the ball is 2" further from the tow rig than if I used the other shank. I don't need the extra distance. I am just wondering if it would be beneficial to use the other shank or is it OK to use this one?

Secondly, is it preferrable to keep the auto tranny in manual 2nd going through towns where the speed will be less than 40 MPH? At 40 my RPMs are near 3K. I would only do this because I feel it would be better for the tranny--is that correct thinking?

2 inches wont make a difference unless you have tight turns to make you dont want the trailer hitting the bumper.

as for the trany, my feeling is always less shifting the better for it. but i belive if you put it in 2nd and come to a stop it wont down shift into first unles syou manullly do it. jiMMy

Thanks, Jerk:p , I have it all loaded up and ready for the trip. Tows pretty good for such a small rig. I have tried the 2nd gear thing and it will downshift to 1st at a stop, but just holds in 2nd, which is what I want.

Wish me luck.:(

leave room to stop also. jiMMy