Downshifting

My guess is too high engine rpm when trying to get into the low gears like that. Try shifing into them around 1000 rpm, 1200 max. You at like 3-4 mph or so?

 

Ok I think you are going too fast. try 4th at 5mph or less.

or next time you are in fourth see how fast you travel at 1200 rpm or so to get a feel. The lower gears are really sensitive.

 

Basic rule is whatever gear your in, theres a 5 rpm difference between the next or last one.

It can be 10 or 15 depending on the truck in my experience.

 

You have to find a sweet spot. Every truck is different unless it’s a brand new truck.

I drive an 18 speed cat. I never use the splitter for lower gears unless I’m climbing up a mountain and there’s traffic.

6-7mph should be 4th gear.

 

Add the first and last numbers of your speed on the 5s together. That's the gear you want.

45mph? 4+5=9th. 35? 3+5=8th. And so on. 6th will drop pretty much anywhere below 25mph, so if you're grinding and feeling foolish, just grab 6th and you'll feel better.

5th gear, your RPM will be your road speed / 100. 15mph will be 1500 in 5th. 12mph will be 1200 in 5th.

You get the idea.

 

In my experience at or below 5 mph just a little clutch and no revving it just slips right into 3rd and 2nd easy peasy. Every trukk has it's own little quirks.

 

If you're under 10 and downshifting, you're probably coming to a stop. If that's the case, don't worry about matching road speed to the gear. When you're JUST about to come to a stop, ease the shifter against 3rd and coast until it slides right in. Then push in the clutch.