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Todd W
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2002
13:41:47
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 Subject: Downshifting
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Ok, I've had several stick shift vehicals and when I learned to drive a stick, I was taught to downshift when approaching a stop sign or light as an aide to using the brakes (Or an out-right substitute sometimes).
Recently though, I've had people accusing me of abusing the truck by doing this. Someone want to explain this to me? I was told that downshifting put 'unneeded stress' on the drive train components. Personally, I think thats BS, since there should be less stress than WOT accelleration towing a big trailer.
I mean, I'm not running it over 3500 RPM downshifting, just to the next gear down, then the next gear down...
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yo
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2002
21:19:34
| RE: Downshifting
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It really isnt abusing the truck, but then again, brakes are cheaper to replace than clutches
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Bob W
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2002
19:52:12
| RE: Downshifting
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Down shifting will not hurt the clutch and will save the brakes, I just put 150,000 on My 4.0 ranger with no clutch problems and only one set of brakes. Now with My 4.7 Dak. auto I'll see what happens.
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JP
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2002
20:57:50
| RE: Downshifting
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I agree with Bob W. If you think about it the only time wear on a clutch occures is when engine rpm and transmisson rpm don't match. If you are good that will be when you take off from a stop. A technique I use with manuals is to "double clutch" as you shift down. To do this depress clutch to shift to neutral, while in neutral engage clutch and increase engine rpms, depress clutch again and move shift to lower gear. This has the effect of more closely matching engine with transmission conserving clutch and syncros in the tranny. If you have not done this before it may take a little practice to get it right.
JP
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Quicksilver
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2002
23:33:43
| RE: Downshifting
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I downshift all the time never had a problem.An duoble clutching is better just a real pain in the @ss to get used to i still haven't gotten used to it.
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kota on 20s
GenIII
4/08/2002
01:11:15
| RE: Downshifting
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JP, when i down shift, i push in the clutch and blip the throttle to match the revs that i was at, and then put it into the lower gear.
i know it is differant than what you discribed, but does it do the samething? my dad uses your method, and i think my way is easier. what do you think?
Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more
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NiPs
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
01:47:09
| RE: Downshifting
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kota your way is themost efficent way you can possibly downshift without double cluting. However double clutching is better because of the way the system is setup.
A clutch connects the transmission to the drive train. When the car is in neutral(not just with the clutch pushed in) the gears spin with the engine so that when you rev the engine your not only matching the engine to the drivetrain your matching the engine to the gears to the drive train. Granted the syncro mesh that are on the gears overcomes the speed diferences between the engine and the gears quite efficently it's still not the best that you can do.
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Super Bee
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
02:20:48
| RE: Downshifting
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anything has to be better than powe shifting, also, large rigs use the engine to brake more often than they use brakes, i cant remember what it is called but in some areas they are not allowed to do a certian kind of engine braking due to the massive amounts of noise it makes,
but you should have no problems
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yo
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
08:53:41
| RE: Downshifting
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One question, how the heck are you going to tap the accelerator to match RPMs at the same time you are trying to break? I only have two feet....
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
09:01:26
| RE: Downshifting
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Super,
I think you are talking about using "jake" brakes. That is when the drivers actually flip a switch and shut off one or more of the cylinders off to slow the truck down. I may be wrong, but I think that is how it works. A lot of towns don't allow truckers to do it during certain hours if ever because of the noise it makes.
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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handi2
GenIII
4/08/2002
10:56:01
| RE: Downshifting
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Message:
Just downshift the damn thing. You do not need to double clutch unles your truck was built in the 50's or you are trying to downshift at to high a rpm for the lower shift.
Just downshift the damn thing.....!
http://photos.yahoo.com/handi254310
2002 Quad Cab SLT Plus 4.7 Every Available Option
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180 Robertshaw/Roadmaster Active Suspension
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Todd Bouton
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
11:41:09
| RE: Downshifting
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Yo,
This Chinese chick I used to go with showed me once. YOu keep your heel on the brake and tap the gas with your toes.
Todd W.,
I also have been driving manual cars or trucks, I do downshift, but I don't ever get it around 3500, except for an emergency stop! I do let it climb between 2K adn 3K, so it does some slowing. I mainly glide alot, which slows you also. I rarely ever bump the R's to match them better, this is in relaxed driving. If I'm cornering or something, thin I do if trying for more performance.
Todd
01 QC SLT 4.7 5spd LSD Homebrew intake and K&N drop in with modified box, no belt fan, AIT adj., tire and handling group, trailer tow with HD engine service group,
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yo
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
12:01:06
| RE: Downshifting
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I see how it can be done, but on my truck if you were to do that, unless you have a double jointed ankle the brake would be down so far it would make it pointless to even do. It also seems dangerous to have your feet out of position just to use the tranny to slow you down in case you really had to stop fast and slam on the brakes. Also, if you are using the tranny to slow you down, some jack### behind you could not be paying attention and run into the back of you since your brake lights arent on. So, to avoid using the brakes to slow down you need to a)make sure no one is in front of you are about to pull out in front of you, b)no one is asleep behind you, and c)then use one foot to operate both pedals so the tranny doesnt wear out.
I still dont understand the claim that it wouldnt wear the clutch out faster, it might not be noticible, but it still may need to be replaced 5 or 10k sooner, which may be just enough to last you till your next dakota, so you have extra money to buy a few more options.
-Just a few things to ponder.
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kota on 20s
GenIII
4/08/2002
12:36:30
| RE: Downshifting
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down shift, THEN hit the breaks. dont do both at the same time.
Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more
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xplikt
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
15:34:28
| RE: Downshifting
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I use mostly brakes for the main purpose of the lights. Brake lights get people's attention a lot quicker! On the highway I use it, but it's not a big deal. For traffic and with other cars, USE YOUR BRAKES. Doubble clutching is a good thing, I don't even notice myself do it anymore.
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scat pack
GenIII
4/08/2002
16:07:48
| RE: Downshifting
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Downshifting is not abuse. Although rare, you can sometimes find yourself in a situation where you would be better off too goose it around an obstacle to get out of the way (like when someone you are expecting to take their right of way doesn't and jambs things up). If you have downshifted you will find yourself in the right gear to get out of the situation.
2K RC 4.7 4x4
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handi2
GenIII
4/08/2002
20:35:27
| RE: Downshifting
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I have shifted up and down without using the clutch at all. Truck drivers only use the clutch in first gear to get started.
http://photos.yahoo.com/handi254310
2002 Quad Cab SLT Plus 4.7 Every Available Option
Access Tonnoue Cover/Bedrug/360 Air Intakez/Jet Stage 2
180 Robertshaw/Roadmaster Active Suspension
Street Scene Grill Inserts
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
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4/08/2002
20:46:10
| RE: Downshifting
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NASCAR drivers do the same thing. The only time they use the clutch is taking off from a pit stop. However, I think they can get away without b/c the trannies are designed for it and they rebuild them every 500 miles!
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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