Any Eaton 13spd experts here?

Called the hidden gear. Even the 18 has it. Some drivers claim to use it all the time, others say its hard on the transmission. I wouldn't use it. I figure if Eaton intended it to be used, they'd have included it in the shift pattern.

 

RPM's are very close. I use it occasionally. Not hard on the tranny if shifted correctly. I have a certification from Eaton that says I know what I'm doing.

 

The first truck I drove when I got a job had a 9 speed. It's pattern was lo through 3 in the low range, then 4-8 on the high side, ie using the lo hole in high range. So using lo in the high range on a 13 speed is ok too, I just don't bother. Use it for one extra split? Not worth it to me.

 

There is nothing to lock it out so to speak. Basically it’s an overlap gear or close to same ratio as the low gear in high side. No big deal really.

 

was told about the "hidden" gear. worked out as like having 4h and would use it occasionally to keep from dropping in the lowside momentarily. did lots of off road oilfield trucking and never had an issue with my trans. as far as I'm concerned, use it if you can shift properly. if you can hit it without perfection, i understand you can #### up your tranny bc you have a big gear spinning a little gear. for what its worth the owner of the company i drove for is the one who showed me, so if dude was super concerned about his equipment, i doubt he'd shown it to me.
on another note, grew up with nothing but 15's, drove a 13 for 7 year, 18 for about a year, and now have my own 15 backed by a two speed. somedays my brain reverts back to the 13/18 pattern and I feel like a #### greenhorn.

 

I use it everyday multiple time a day. It just works good for me.

 

Never knew this gear existed. I want to try it now

 

It’s nothing special......usually makes a little noise. Not saying it’s hurting anything or I hadn’t used it a few times......when it’s the only gear in the box with a little whine makes me nervous lol