Floating 18 speed tranny

Any Mack I've ever driven liked to be wound up. But I've only driven gutless company trucks that were turned down. But I always drove it more like a detroit than a cat. Kept the rpms up.

 

I have an 03 ch, 427, 10 spd. I shift at 1800. Anything less and it'll grind like i've never driven a manual before but am doing it for the first time on my first day of work. Lol.

I got an eaton trans, upshift at 1800-1900, down shift i think i do at 1200 maybe 1000. I honestly cant remember, i rarely look at the tach on the down side.

 

All 10 i'm shifting at 1800 to 2000 tops. If im pulling a hill or super heavy, ill go to 2100 for 6-10 to float and have that little extra bump before the rpms fall below 1800.

Like someone else said, macks like to be wound up before they will go.

Tomorow morning im going to double check where i shift the first 5, you got me second guessing myself now, and i cant exactly tell you via internet what the engine sounds like when ready for shifting on the low side. Lol

 

It’s easier on the engine to be bumping the governor than it is to lug it way down. Don’t be afraid to bump it up to 1,800 or so before shifting.

If you are shifting up, 1,400 will put you right at 1,000 after the shift. That is lugging the truck too hard, if you are in any sort of pull.

I’m used to driving N14 Cummins and 3406b Cats. Rule of thumb on them is always keep the rpm between 1,200 at 2,100.

 

Mackrookie I tagged EZ as he drives a 2000 e-7 460. I'm not sure what tranny he's got, but he will chime in soon and hopefully help you.

 

Yes sir, give it a try, you will be surprised how easy itll go in.

 

Jealous! I only got a 427. The smallest e7.