----- Original Message -----
From: <NTemple46@aol.com>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2000 8:40 PM
Subject: [oletrucks] Downshifting
> I have had little to no luck trying to downshift when I need to on
> hills or to avoid heavy braking. Occasionally if I have to I can grind it
> in, but I just can't seem to get a smooth downshift. What is the trick?
> RPM's? Single clutch? double clutch?
>
I grew up with the old "crash box" tranny and still enjoy the challenge.
With a non-synchro you have to double clutch shifting up or down. When
shifting up, depress the clutch to come out of first. Let off the gas. Let
the clutch out all the way while pausing the shift in neutral. Press the
clutch again and shift into the next gear. You can't be in a hurry or the
gears will clash. A little pause before shifting into the next gear helps.
When down shifting, follow the same procedure but since you're moving
faster, you have to bring the trans up to a matching speed. Rev the engine
while the clutch is out and trans is in neutral. This takes some practice
to get it right but when you get a nice smooth down shift, you can't help
but grin a little bit. Usually people tend to over rev the engine at first
which makes 'em grind just as much as not enough rev.
Hope you're not thoroughly confused by now. Go out and practice your
shifting!
My wife once asked why I was "pumping that pedal."
<><
Whitney Haist
Orinda, CA
Chevy Trucks: 2-'46s & a '39
www.jps.net/haist/artdeco.htm
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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