Trouble downshifting on an 8-speed

What is happening when you try to downshift? Bad gear grinding and then it slips in?

My first suggestion would be to let the rpms drop lower, push clutch in, move it out of gear, kick up the rpms, then shift into lower gear.

If you're in an 8 speed, I am guessing the rpms may need to be kicked up higher than if you were in a 10, at least that was my experience. Do not be afraid to really boost the rpms when downshifting.

 

You'll get the hang of it.... if you made it to a trainer from what I understand it just takes experience. My man trained on a gear master and he's having a heck of a time just getting to the trainer part. Darn schools and their gear masters!!!!!! I don't think they should even use them. He didn't either but it was the one thing the teacher said
Look at the gear master.

 

What is a gear master?

 

From a newbie who also had trouble. Don't sweat it so much. It will make it harder because you are nervous. Stay calm and it will come. One thing I found that helped was to "practice" anytime I could. Coming up to an exit ramp, slow down a long time before you get there, but be mindful of traffic behind you so not to cause a jam or make anyone mad. Watch your speed and rpms. Also try downshifting on small upgrades, again minding the traffic around you. Just going down 1 gear, so you get the feel can help build your confidence.

My "breakthrough" came when I started floating on downshifting. Way easier than double clutching!

Hang in there, you are no different than most. I think everyone has that problem at first. You will di fine with time.

 

See........... that's what I'm talking about no one knows except the school he trained at.

It's a thing they put on the truck that tells you WHEN to shift so you don't mess up THEIR truck.

 

Wow, that doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

How can that prepare anyone for being in a truck without it?

 

Memorize the speed range for each gear. Let's say at around 15 or 17 miles per hour you go from 4th to 5th (flipping up to high range as well), well you'd downshift from 5th to 4th at a little less than 15 now, maybe 14 or 13 or so. I suggest these 2 gears because this is your critical speed and gear you typically want to be in for turns (4th, rolling thru) for safety and control. The next most important ones are 8th to 7th and 7th to 6th for slowing down on offramps, or traffic brake checks or upgrades stuff like that. Pretty much can let the rpms drop to like 1200, 1100 or so, bump up the throttle while shifting to that next lower gear then gently letting the clutch back out to smoothly transition the power back into the drive train.

 

If he doesn't know what to do, you need a new trainer...

Here's a lil tip...When you raise the RPMs, just hold light pressure on the stick, it'll fall into gear when the RPMs are right...Try using only a few fingers on the stick instead of your whole hand...They only grind when you try to force it...

 

Our thoughts exactly!! What's up with that? Spend that money to go to a school that pretty much messes you up from the get go.

This is what he's working on.