How to Shift an 18-speed

####, they make it look like work to run an 18 sp., here I thought it was a lazy mans tranny. The way they do it your left leg will get worn out quick! I guess I'm too lazy, I hate having to use my clutch! As far as I'm concerned you only use it to start and stop, traffic is what granny gear is for. LOL

 

You dont need to use the clutch except to start and stop. Some drivers clutch when they move the stick but ive never have herd of any one useing the clutch with the splitter. Just flip the switch and let off the fuel and it shifts up. To down shift flip the switch tap fuel ever so slightly to release torque and let the trans come out of gear than step down on the fuel just like a normal downshit and it will down shift. An 18 speed is nothing more than a 9 speed with a high and low for each gear. You dont have to split every gear. You could actually drive it as a 9 speed. Most of the time you drive them like a 13 speed only splitting the top four gears.

 

Your not too far off. My dad drove truck for 40 years hauling logs on the west coast. LOTS of shifting and being an old school driver, he double clutched every gear. A few years ago he had his left hip replaced and, the doctor knew immediately upon seeing the xrays that he was a truck driver. Apparently, clutching wears the hip joint in a specific and recognizable way.

 

Your Dad was a pro. Not many left. There is a time and a place for double clutching even with today's trannys. Most are too lazy or think they are too good to be bothered with it. Repair shops love it though. Another reason so many large outfits are going with autoshift systems.