I've driven an international with a 10 speed spicer. Same issues you mention. Very picky. Much prefer my Eaton.

When I drove for a co they had meritor 10s in columbias and I could never really nail them down. The one they had with a eaton 10 was fine, as were the older flds with eaton 9s. Drove a ryder truck once with a meritor, same problem for me.

I just could not float the meritors and even double clutching wasnt as graceful as I was hoping. I really tried. I could find a gear in it when I floated, but not on the first try. At least the guy who took me for my road test complimented my ability to find the hole without grinding it. Apparentally most people either hit it the first try or murdered it hunting.

I actually recieved one of the most meaningful compliments from him that day. Sitting at a rr crossing waiting on a train and he takes a drag of his cigarette, looks nowhere in particular and says, "Well, you can #### sure drive a truck.". This from a guy I know had seen at least most all there was to see in his years.

Never did get that meritor figured out...

I drove a spicer 10 a long time ago, and same deal. Couldn't float, couldn't shift smoothly, and was hard as heck to get out of gear.

Comparing the Eaton 10 to the Meritor I've experienced is a world of difference. Although i learned floating on the meritor, its throws are alot longer and not as forgiving, even with double clutching.