I really like this car, but the overdrive kicks out whenever it wishes, and back in for no apparent reason. I wouldn't mind it permanently in the overdrive mode. Is there a way to do this? Also, one of the front brakes screeches terribly. The pad seems ok. I've heard these brakes do this- is it common? Is there a satisfactory fix? thanks.

 

Go to autozone, they sell little tubes of brake lube on the counter at checkout.
It goes between the backing of the pad and the caliper piston to prevent high freq chatter which earthlings hear as a squeal.

OD dropping in and out sounds like chafed wire , jack car up, jackstands..
and find the OD solenoid ,
it kinda on top of the tranny,
run your hand along the wire,
bet a dozen donuts its lost insulation and its shorting out.
get a soldering iron under there , splice some new wire in, or....if the problem is too close to the solenoid just wrap with elec tape.

These photos are from a 240 but its the same for the 740.
http://cleanflametrap.com/pub_autoOD/

 

Thank you Jonesg. The help is really appreciated, and will be followed exactly!!