Downgrades with no Jake. Best way to handle it?

Generally speaking the gear you'd use to climb the pass is the right gear for descending it. (i.e. The engine torque is matched to the load/hill.) You can what-if this to death, and weather also plays a part, but the point is you have to start somewhere and assume sufficient skills to either up or downshift. If that's not the case, then it really doesn't matter what gear he is in.

 

No Jake...........start out slow.
That easy.
PATIENCE.
Take your time.
Your not doing the Indy500,it isn't a race.

 

Going down a hill you want higher RPMs. This is where the engine brake would be more effective. So you do want to be in a lower gear than the gear you used to climb. Plus, in using a lower gear, you wont need to brake as much as the transmission will do most of the 'work' in keeping the truck slow.

As you go down, use the 3-5 rule, or the snug braking method (if the engine brake isn't working). Pick a speed 5 mph slower than the recommended speed limit. For example: if it's 35, aim for 30. As your speed builds up pass 35, or the RPMs max, apply pressure to the brakes for 3 seconds. Repeat as needed until you clear the pass.

 

This has been covered in about a zillion other threads--driver that said his friend said--ur friend is an idiot--o how did any of us survived without it??
Oh I I drive a Large Pete 379 w a 53' spread and right now I am grossin 92k--and Jake hasn't worked for a month--

 

engines won't hit 3000 rpms. they'll blow up long before that.

using the trailer brake only. not a good idea.

 

You've never drove a 318 Detroit.Just fun'n w/ ya Snowwy. If there's a Diesel engine that could hit that RPM it would be a 318. They will actually run in reverse. I pity the fool that's driven a 2 stroke Detroit.

 

Lower gears and feathering the brakes. .

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It was easy. Just slam your hand in the door before taking off on a trip and you'd be in the "right" mindset for a 318.

 

Always determin the conditions lets say the speed limit is 65mph but towards mid down hill there might be a corner pre select the gear that you think would be safe for that condition lets say in a 10 speed maybe drop down to 8th and let the transmission work as your engine brake a jake brake is just a assist a true pro driver pre selects there gear on a down hill and the jake is only to help maintain that speed pick your safe speed and flutter the brakes occassionaly when you go over selected speed to maintain that speed and whatever you do. Do not shift on a downhill unless you are proficient at it

 

We had them in the Navy in the 80's along with twin sticks. Try getting the mechanics to find a high pressure oil leak when it only leaks when pulling a hard grade loaded to the max with a D-8 or 977 loader. And I have seen them run backwards and blow smoke out the intake.