How to shift a 7 speed freightliner

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by woothetrucker, Oct 21, 2017.

  1. ChaoSS

    ChaoSS Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2014
    Messages:
    3,338
    Thanks Received:
    6,757
    0
    Is it a synchronized transmission? Last seven I drove was, and it was in an international 4700. Don't try to shift that like a truck, it shifts like a car.
     
  2. woothetrucker

    woothetrucker Bobtail Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2017
    Messages:
    12
    Thanks Received:
    2
    0
  3. Ranger309

    Ranger309 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    120
    Thanks Received:
    102
    0
    Hah! 7 speeds! The first time I drove one was on night shift, and I didn't even know that any sane freight company pulling doubles would use a 7 speed (it was the only one in the yard, everything else was a 10 speed Eaton). No it wasn't a synchronized tranny either. Not on a full-sized three axle day-cab.

    I though someone broke off the selector switch on the stick. Once I figured that #### tranny out it was OK, but I sure as hell wouldn't want to climb mountains with one of those! Someone made a big mistake specking that rig out. Even on the flats I had to rev the piss out of it to move freight.
     
    lovesthedrive Thanks this.
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2014
    Messages:
    12,275
    Thanks Received:
    25,057
    Location:
    high plains colorado
    0
    The rental truck I drove with a 7 speed was so gutless, I don't think I ever did get it in 7th,,:biggrin_25512:
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2005
    Messages:
    48,728
    Thanks Received:
    224,909
    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    0
    My pickup has a 6 with a similar pattern.
     
    Grubby Thanks this.
  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2011
    Messages:
    22,367
    Thanks Received:
    116,007
    Location:
    Michigan
    0
    It is not a 7 speed, they use spicer 6+1 transmissions.

    Very very easy to drive.

    The trick is to learn the mph range for each gear.

    And you don't use low to start out with, it is a low gear. Start it like you would a four speed.
     
  7. Ranger309

    Ranger309 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2009
    Messages:
    120
    Thanks Received:
    102
    0
    There is NO low-hole on an 7 speed Eaton transmission. You have to start out in first gear.

    Sure on a 10 Speed Eaton you can use second with a light load, or empty. Forgetaboutit,
    with a POS 7 speed Eaton. I have never seen one again and I hope they discontinued it.
     
    lovesthedrive Thanks this.
  8. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2014
    Messages:
    12,275
    Thanks Received:
    25,057
    Location:
    high plains colorado
    0
    I think I drove a dump truck with a Spicer 6+1. That was the most worthless box I ever shifted.
     
    wore out Thanks this.
  9. Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2014
    Messages:
    1,525
    Thanks Received:
    2,138
    Location:
    East Coast
    0
    It’s a synchronized tranny. Just drive it like a car. Use the clutch. I drove the same truck when I worked at Pepsico. Good truck for in the city. Very easy to drive
     
  10. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2011
    Messages:
    12,188
    Thanks Received:
    90,528
    Location:
    PNWET
    0
    CF line haul tractors ran 7 speeds with air start. Also drove 9 sp just like the 7sp.
     
    rearview Thanks this.