Also I've noticed that if I put the transmission in M a lot of times unless you come to a COMPLETE stop it won't go all the way to 1st gear. So while at a complete stop i tried to put it in second gear and was surprised when it allowed me to do it. Then I punched it and the truck took off like a BEAST! Very smooth and powerful.
First gear is just annoying sometimes so if I can skip it I'm all for it.

Does this put a significant additional strain on the transmission or motor?