Ok got it so basically dont even have to split the gears , only if heavy or up hill etc... and basicly a 8 speed just everything is split on top half gears.

Well, technically it's a 9spd with the top half split, but you've got it.

Thanks alot Malaki86 you have been a big help, I got it down now.

I've driven a 13 speed road ranger in the tandem dumpy at work a couple times, and I almost always use all 13 gears.

1-2-3-4 (flip to high range) 5direct - 5over - 6d/6o ... etc.

I like using the splitter unless I'm totally empty, it makes shifting almost brainless since the gears all fall into place so easily.

the trick is, don't flip the splitter, until you're actually ready to change gears - if you flip it too early, your transmission may make some seriously evil noises. The guy who was trying to "teach" me how to drive a 13 speed did that a couple times - he'd hang it with the switch flipped too long.

I still prefer a 7 speed tho - maybe a bunch slower, but there's no brainpower involved with it - and these Minnesota drivers mean you've really gotta watch the traffic around you.

--Dave.