Downshift floating

Ok I think I've finally learned floating going up gears but when I hit traffic in Austin and San Antonio I found my self struggling to float downshifting. I'm at about 67k pounds so I've tried to get my rpms up and tried watching the tach but still find myself having to throw it in neutral and recover at 7th or 6th and am grinding like tony hawk. Can someone with more experience help me out? Thanks

 

Your rpm's need to be higher downshifting than upshifting. You NEVER want to force your transmission into a gear, up or down. You should be able to downshift at around 1500-1700 rpms.

 

Try going over a LITTLE bit and let it come down when it slides in you know where your window is. also listen and you'll learn to do it by ear.

 

Next time your putting along off the interstate and you shift try to downshift back to the previous gear. keep shifting between the two gears and you will get a feel of how much you need to bump the throttle. listen to the sounds, you'll get it.

 

It is exactly the same principle as shifting woth the clutch, you must match your rpms with the road speed. First learn to shift period. If you learn to shift correctly you will be better than 75 percent of the driver on the road.

400 rpm differential between the gears.you have to drop road speed first, till your down to say 1100 rpms, alide into nuetral, bring your rpms up to 1500 and with gentle pressure i will slide into the next gear down.

 

Perhaps it's the location. Nobody likes driving between Austin and San Antonio.

 

Beats being in between New York City and New Haven, CT

 

Agreed ! That`s why they make automatics. Too many drivers can`t shift and are too lazy too learn . Give it time Rithiery it will come. Do they ever make a bang when you top a gear ...lol. Ouch

 

Do it by feel and sound ignore the tach.

 

I had a truck once that just would not float, no matter what I tried. All the advice on here is good, just practice, you will get it.