Downshifting question

[steelandcanvas]

Read the manual and try to understand that these are not FORDS. These "hyper-kinetic" diesels are engineered different than the junk FORD sells. That also explains why they don't rust out after 5 years.

Wow, don't sugar-coat it, tell us how you really feel.

 

[Flyingvan911]

Comparing deuces to any civi truck is to compare a locomotive to a pop can.

 

[m-35tom]

the engine applies very little drag, since it has no throttle plate, so there is almost nothing to be gained by downshifting other than clutch wear. the brakes on the other hand are very substancial for this sized truck and will stop you just fine. downshifting from 5 to 4 and 4 to 3 should not require doudle clutching as the syncros are very robust and the rpm change is small, going into 2 from 3 it may help a little in situations where you are then going to accelerate without stopping. you should never attempt to shift into 1st or rev unless at a complete stop as this can cause serious trans damage.

 

[Steaminjim]

I agree with both welldigger and M-35Tom. The diesel does not produce near the engine breaking of a gas engine and therefore should not be relied upon for downhill breaking that one can get with a gas engine truck. And right again it helps to ease it into gear rather than just stuffing it into the gear you want. I was taught that there is and art to downshifting and that properly done it can extend the life of the drivetrain.
I don't automatically downshift in every situation as Brakes are cheaper and easier to change than a clutch but I will certantly get it into the right gear (same up hill as down hill) before I start down.

 

[mjtracy]

Great input from all, thanks. One funny thing about heading downhill in the deuce comes from when I recovered mine. The route back home was through the Tehachapi pass (4000') down to the valley (200'). My dad asked me how the brakes did on the way down. I said "What brakes? I had to stay on the throttle the whole time!".

 

[welldigger]

As mentioned by several already, I only downshift to match my gear with my speed. Not to slow myself down. The biggest problem I see with downshifting is with a novice driver missing a gear and severely over revving the engine. This is also very hard on clutches. Don't get me wrong, I'm guilty of having done that exact thing. But, with anything practicing helps a lot. Mistakes will happen.