How to shift a 7 speed freightliner

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.

 

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.

 

The rental truck I drove with a 7 speed was so gutless, I don't think I ever did get it in 7th,,

 

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.

 

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.

 

I think I drove a dump truck with a Spicer 6+1. That was the most worthless box I ever shifted.

 

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

 

CF line haul tractors ran 7 speeds with air start. Also drove 9 sp just like the 7sp.