Double Clutching Vs. Floating a Gear

After working the casual board and operating many different trucks, I've noticed most all boxes like to be warmed up before slip shifting. I agree that not everyone has the technique mastered, but, if you are someone who does, go for it.

You will discover soon enough if you need an automatic..

 

I guess I mastered on my '76 Yamaha YZ125 cuz when I was a 21 year old and jumped in an old crackerbox Jimmy with a screaming Detroit and a sloppy, wore out 9 speed, I was ripping though them gears like an old hand, no clutch of course. The 5 speed Macks took a little more experience because of the bigger difference in ratios between the gears.

Got almost a million on my Rockwell clutch. It ran out of adjustment at about the same time the pilot bearing seized and wore the tip of the input shaft.

I'll start in 1st at the lights while I notice the company draggers will slip the clutch in 4th gear to get a jump on me. Hahahah.

 

The hiway guys just need left knee replacements.. and yeah, 3 of my b.f.'s trucker buddies....
Mary

 

I'm of the camp where I only occasionally use the Jake, even back when I had a real Jake. I've kind of outgrown the need to shift with one to sound cool, and I tend to focus my mental energy on correctly pacing traffic and lights in city driving. I would have to suggest for a newbie trying to learn to float, to do it with the Jake off, until it's mastered. I'd rather wear out a dash switch instead of U-Joints and carrier bearings.

The MBE4000 engine brake is worthless for shifting, but on the flip, you can use the engine brake in noise abatement areas without getting in trouble. And in actuality, I'm kind of fond of the engine ( I have one that runs exceptionally well - works it's little heart out ) 6.8mpg on average with a single trailer, but I'm down in the low 4's pulling doubles.

I've driven big Cats, old souped up Big Cams and also a few 60 Series Detroits. But I'm not in the big power crowd these days, and I have pleasantly found that a good running 450 HP 13 liter will save you money overall. I toss around the concept of lease purchasing, and doing so with a 30K ride so I can have it done in a year or two, so I watch the numbers closely.

I've had the 06' for about a year and a half, and the drive-line hasn't been touched, except for a correction on the clutch pedal free play. The wear indicator on the clutch claims it's pretty healthy.

 

Never went to a truck school. Started my trucking career in Alaska. I am in the "hybrid" camp. I both double clutch and float, depending on the situation. Like most things, there is not always a one size fits all solution for every thing. Each style has it's place.

 

I have heard same things from mechanics. About premature wear on components. And grabbing, snatching, whatever you want to call i feel would cause it. I have been driving a year and proud to say that I can float and if done right all you need is two fingers on the shifter. If it requires anymore then that to float. You are causing damage. Just my 2 cents. But what do I know. My cdl still shines.