down shifting

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Old 09-20-2007, 12:29 AM
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Default down shifting

Been reading alot of posts for new drivers going thru school, seems the biggest obsticle is down shifting. I start Monday 10/24 and any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 03:36 AM
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Just listen to your instructors. It would be easier for them to show you then us to explain it to you. It is not that complicated.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 05:03 AM
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Short version:

Slow down until your tach reads around 1100 rpm
Tap clutch and move shifter to neutral.
Step on go pedal and rev engine quickly to around 1600-1700 rpm, then let off the juice.
Tap clutch and go into next lower gear. Shifter will slide in as RPMs fall to around 1400 rpms.

Most newbies have trouble with rev'ing the engine up. They either do not go high enough, or rev it too far, or forget to get off the go pedal and let the rpm's fall back.

If you have this problem try what I call stomping the bug approach. Stomp on the go pedal like you are killing a bug and the jump off like you are looking at your good deed.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 06:23 AM
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Yes it's hard to explain like this. Uturn kinda told ya but then again it also depends which truck you're driving for your rpms.
In the beginning you will have problems with shifting as we all had but you learn quick enough so don't let your head hang down! Good luck!!
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 07:26 AM
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Sounds like one of those things that one should over think. thanks for the input.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 09:26 AM
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I know the problem I had when I first started was downshifting and double clutching. But after some practice you'll get it.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 12:08 PM
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Well, with all my minutes of experience (driver school day 4 was today, first day on the road) I would suggest don't sweat it. The instructor will tell you how and then you just keep wearing down the gears until they fit together the way you want them to.

Boy am I glad nobody was taking video of me attempting my first 45 degree backing.
 
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Old 09-20-2007, 12:45 PM
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Default Re: down shifting

Originally Posted by harleypiper
Been reading alot of posts for new drivers going thru school, seems the biggest obsticle is down shifting. I start Monday 10/24 and any help would be greatly appreciated.
You might want to peruse the following threads:

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...t=downshifting
 
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