I am a new owner of a 2001 LS and have a question.
This car has a 5 speed automatic and I am getting in the habit of slipping into 4th as I approach a stop.
The transmission helps slow the auto and I put it back into drive after stopping.
I also believe shifting into 4th on long hills will help keeping it from "running away".
My question is am I hurting it by doing this?
Thanks for your opinions.

 

I don't think you are "hurting the gearbox" BUT - when I apply the brakes car gears down on it's own

+ IMHO with a Lexus v8 engine you really don't need to gear down on uphills - there is plenty of power under to hood to handle them...

 

OK, I meant on long downhills like coming down mountains and creeping over the speed limit. I slip it into 4th and it keeps it from going too fast without using the brakes.

 

When I am coming downhill, I tap the brakes and it seems to kick down a gear. Either way, its a fun to let it "run away" when no cars are around.. feels like a roller coaster!

 

you may not be hurting it per say but do it enough and you will eventually notice a difference in your normal every day shifting....don't use it if you don't have to i always say why put extra wear on something thats pretty much great maybe get better breaks or perhaps use yours a little more but i have never been a fan of using the transmission to control my speed.

 

I believe you are on the right path. Brake pads are cheap compared to transmission repairs.
I'll leave off the down-shifting and let the brains decide what it should do and when.