Meritor freedomline or Eaton ultrashift?

[allan5oh]

Which do you guys prefer and why?

[Doghouse]

I drove an Ultra shift a few days ago, and I didn't like the way it hit the gears. Its nice that it was a no touch shift, but it still hit the gears too hard, and on loose gravel I actually hung the truck up and the divider woudn't even get it un-stuck.
This was the "Auto" shift that used a computer controlled clutch, if this is the one your asking about,..if its not, then I'm an idiot :wink:
And I blame it on high BP :sad:

[allan5oh]

That would be an ultrashift, yes.

Eaton "autoshift" uses a clutch.

[flood]

i have driven both clutch is nice for backing but after you drive it and you get used to not having the clutch you learn how to have a lite foot for backing (until then you WILL be banging the dock)

and Doghouse if it is

but it still hit the gears too hard, and on loose gravel I actually hung the truck up and the divider woudn't even get it un-stuck.

i have driven auto-shift and ultrashift for years and yes about every week or two it will shift hard ONE time. sounds like the computer is not set right (bring in the clutch to fast) or the air shifter has tomuch air psi. one way to check the shifter is have someone turn the truck on (don't start it just turn it on) you stand 75 feet away if you can hear the shifter cycle (loud poping sound) somthing is not right, you should JUST be able to hear it. have it checked sounds like the trans computer or the engine computer are not set right.

[Doghouse]

Its not my truck, I went to the International dealer to buy some parts for my truck and was looking at some of the trucks on the lot,....all the sudden a salesvulture began his death-dive to try and get me to buy a 2003 Eagle with 600,000 miles for $57,000.
I tried to get away but he insisted I try the ultrashift, and kept on until I took it for a spin,...literally.

[flood]

somthing is wrong with it it should be a nice soft shift no bang, no lunge should be smooth

[boneebone]

neither, autos are for girly men.

[jeremyh]

They have auto shifts in Europe and synchonized gears :P Wouldn't it be easier to do your job if you had that available to you? It's all in the mind set. It's easier to drive an automatic than a standard. Especially in city traffic I'd take an automatic if that option was available to me.

[DBW]

I have to admit that I loved the autoshifts when I was at USX. I'm scheduled for orientation with Melton Aug 6 and told the folks there that my shifting skills with a 13-speed is gonna be a bit rusty since it's been years since I got to grind gears.

My last truck was clutchless ('07 Century ST). Of the two styles I prefer a clutch simply because backing often requires a light touch that can't be found modulating a brake and fuel pedal at the same time. Backing into dark, covered docks usually resulted in banging docks.