Automatic trucks

That truck was not working properly. Should not be going into neutral at all while downshifting. But like you said it was donated. I agree-13 or 18 is way to go. Also like the 8LL. Good heavy duty tranny with good highway manners.

 

well as far as the no skill to shift. You have never driven a triplex or a twin stick trans. You have never had very expensive live animals behind you. That if you shift rough of jerk or miss a gear they might get hurt. I have never driven an auto shifting truck. God willing I never will. My 4 wheeler is a manual. I don't use a clutch for more than starting and stopping. I don't even know how to double clutch. I was taught to drive was floating or slipping or matching. With that said yea if I get the truck in a bind then i will go to the clutch. I'm not opposed to using the clutch I just don't see the need to wear out a part that will cost down time and money when I don't need too. If you take pride in your abilitys as a driver then you teach yourself how to work to get the most out of the equipment without hurting it. SHifting is a "skill" one that takes time to master.

 

I don't know if I would call shifting a skill or just a gift. I learned to drive on 5 and 4 twin stick. Ground Hell out of it for a few days until I figured out what I was doing. No one told me squat. They all have their own little quirks and those who want to figure them out will and those who don't will tear them up. 1st auto I drove I was putting it in low and manual right away just to see how it reacted. They are alright. My favorite would still be 18 just to have them if I wanted them. I have friend who drove for Merchants Fast Motor lines for over 20 yrs. never could shift for sheeat. Didn't worry about or care about it. Sure stunk up the yard a lot when he pulled in with clutch stinking.

 

I used to drive for a guy who had been driving for 35 years, he ground 1/2 the gears when shifting and he couldn't back up for crap. But, he could fake a log book and drive for 30 hours straight, with only coffee, potty, and food breaks. LMAO

 

My wife has one in her International. She has mixed feelings about it. Loves it when there are no hills or mountains to climb, but hates it in the city or when docking.

She bought hers from a fleet sale. It seems Mesilla Valley Transport uses them exclusively. They are also claiming to get 10+ mpg!

 

watch this video. its a '52 Mack with the twin stick triplex transmission. i wonder if someone would get failed if they used an old truck like this for a DOT road test?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mf6AUbjT-s

 

Old Mack sounds great and driver is smooth as buuuter. Great video.

 

I like to think I am a good shifter, but I think my log truck would be in the ditch or trees, trying to shift the two stick. Thanks for that video, I have never seen a two stick Mack shifted before. I have heard the old timers say you ain't a truck driver unless you can drive a two stick Mack. LMAO

 

No....Some of us can actually drive a truck!

I'll put my SKILLS up against an auto shift any time!

 

well i mean the smoothness of the shift, the exact way every time. i will say it was a hell of a lot slower getting up to speed as it wont wind the RPMS up unless your using the manual feature. it was nice and a pain at the same time. i kept reaching for the shifter. heck i do that when i get in the taurus LOL.