18 gears. WTF Chuck?

As far as starting in Low, drive an autoshift some time. Even Eaton doesn't start in Low or shift every gear if they don't need to.

If I'm on flat ground, I use 7 gears in my 13 speed loaded or empty. 2nd, Invisible, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th.

 

I believe I know what you're referring to here but please clarify the gear highlighted in red for me.

 

High range, Low gear position.

You're not supposed to use it. However, no one seems to know WHY when I've asked. My father's used his in that position in every truck he's owned. He's never lost a transmission because of wear that could be attributed to that.

 

I'll briefly explain it to you...The "so called" secret hole or "invisible gear" is in fact the low gear in the top side of the box.
The primary reason that you're not supposed to use it has to do with a very small gear turning against a very large gear to put it simply.
Listen to the transmission when you are in that hole...You can hear it whining like a C R England driver on payday!
The differential in the gear sizes causes and unhealthy amount of heat to build up and can lead to a premature failure....Not to mention ecessive bearing wear and of course wear on the two gears themselves.

You'll get away with it most of the time but if you're paying the bills...It's not worth the gamble!

 

I've often wondered about that. Thanks for the info.

 

The benifits of an 18 speed is there is 300 RPM between shifts, a 13 there are 500 you never have to get out of the prefered range with an 18 speed.

 

Wrong!

There is only one difference from a drivers standpoint between a 13 speed and an 18 speed...You can split the lower side of the box.
There is absolutly NO DIFFERENCE at all between the RPM splits between the two transmissions.

 

Agreed with you blackw900, but checked RR site just to make sure, before posting...
specs in Roadranger web site backs this one up.

 

I will take a 13 over a 18 anytime 15 was my favorite they were very popular in the 80's don't hear about them much now days.

 

I'm not sure I understand why...It's the same transmission from a drivers standpoint with the option of splitting the lower side.

They drive out exactly the same.