Downshifting for a dummy?

I don't know how your truck is geared so I can't tell you the speeds but generally downshifting works along these lines

Brake to 1100 rpm > clutch out of gear > rev to 1500 rpm > clutch into next lowest gear. Go through as many gears as you want like that. Or just use the brake if you're not hauling anything too heavy.

You can also skip a gear.

Brake to 800 rpm > clutch out > bump revs around 1300 > clutch into 2 gears lower than you were.
Assuming you're planning on using the clutch anyway

 

When all else fails just grind it till you find it lol

 

What is this clutch you speak of using whilst shifting??

After just a bit of listening and observing.....you'll know exactly how many RPMs you need to gain while dropping a gear......and what effect roadspeed and terrain will have on your shift. Be patient and gentle......think of the gearshift as a newborn's arm.......don't grip it with white knuckles or yank.

 

Pretty much , you would want to rev that up as much as possible while in neutral, and then gently push the stick "on" the downshifted gear hole. Eventually it will fall right into place when the speed and RPM match perfectly.

 

You mean some in this industry are still in the 20th century and have not made the move to autos?

 

Those of us who aren't steering wheel holders never will.

 

I agree, but I had to let go of that mindset when I got my current job (where 90% of the fleet is now auto). If the gig is good enough a driver will drive whatever they give him. Granted, I prefer the million mile manual 06, so I'm in that one till they retire it!

 

I own a 05' Pete 379 (the one pictured in my avatar)...no plans of selling it...run my own numbers...ain't gonna get pushed into driving something I don't love. I understand the position some drivers are being put in. I've never been one to "talk myself" into something I don't believe in...no matter how much it pays.