The stupid is strong in many post here.... the old transmissions turbo 350 & 400's , C4 & C6, Torqueflights etc..... downshifting didn't hurt them one bit, it was of limited effectiveness as the torque converter would slip, as it was designed to do.
The newer transmissions in trucks at least are designed to lock the converters and downshift in the tow/haul mode.
The real deal is the Ram with the Cummins, now that is an animal in the braking department and worth the coast of the diesel option in my book
Agree with your assay of some stupid stuff - you are correct about the auto trans effects. Those who speak against that because replacing brake shoes is cheaper than "repairing" an auto trans seem to not know the territory, and most likely have never experienced serious brake fade - at which point the brake system is a zero - useless.
