Alright, I'm sucking it up and formally asking; how do you properly shift these old transmissions?

I'm not new to sticks, but this 5-speed direct I have in my truck is way different than the toploader in my Mustang. I just can't seem to get the hang of it.

From what I've read I "should" have sync between 2-5, I don't use first when driving normally, it's super low and way on the other side of the stick, lol.

From what I've read the transmission and engine need to be going about the same speed, the problem is by the time they are I'm going too slow to need to use it and have to down shift. And I seem to be doing it wrong, so I'm tossing out my knowledge of driving a stick and re-learning the ways done in the 50s... which are not the same as the 60s.



Wikipedia tells me; shift to neutral, let the speeds match, shift to gear. If down shifting I need to rev the engine a bit while in neutral. When put into neutral I need to let the clutch out.

It mentions people shifting without the clutch once in motion. Always thought that was bad. On these old transmissions, is it?

I thought I was double clutching but it seems I was wrong on that, according to it I put in it neutral, release the clutch, put the clutch in, release it again, then put it in gear. Seems like one too many clutch pedal uses but then again I'm not getting this right it seems.


So lets just nip this all in the bud. I put my pride away, explain it like I'm 15 again and for all that is good and holy, lets get me learned on how to properly shift an old transmission so I'm not dead in the intersection going back to first cause it's the only gear I can manage, lol.

 

My old truck is the same way start in 2nd roll on it shift into neutral in out with the clutch and then 3rd and 4th is the same ...I just run longer in 2nd through the intersections ,,,it could be the snycros are tired ..it is an older truck..or just need more practice..I have run 18 speed 500 horse Kenworth's and my little one ton still teaches me to slow down my shifting..go for a drive ..enjoy your truck ..your doing fine...with a little time and practice you will "be one "with your truck ... beautiful rig you have there...

 

These old Clark transmissions have to be shifted slowly and deliberately.
First, is your clutch fully releasing?
Second, what is the condition of the gear oil, too heavy is no good, as it slows the gears down quickly.
Third, synchros might be worn.

On mine I have found that to upshift 2 through 5 without gear clash I have to do this:
To start in 2, clutch disengaged, shift into 2, ease clutch in.

To shift to 3, ease off throttle while disengaging clutch. When clutch is fully disengaged shift out of 2 slowly and "feel" your way into 3. You will feel a little vibration in the shifter before you hear gear clash, so if you feel it, just shift a bit slower. Once it starts to go into 3, get it fully into 3 with a firm hand and engage the clutch.

For shifts into 4 and five, do the same.

For downshifts I do pretty much the same except sometimes doing a double clutch to get input gear speed up when downshifting into 3 and 2 on hills.

If you have very worn synchros, you will have to double clutch and match speeds. Without a tach you will just have to rely on the speedometer and engine sound. It takes time and practice, but you can master it.

 

Just "Grind em till you find em! "

3414 is right on....shift slowly This is a different beast than a 4 speed in a mustang!

 

Double Clutch
Upshifting
Press in on clutch - shift out of gear - release clutch - press in on clutch - shift into gear.

Downshifting
Press in on clutch - Shift out of gear - release clutch - goose engine - press in on clutch - shift into gear.

The "goose engine" is a light blip on the gas pedal - The rhythm is the drum lead into Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust"

 

Thanks for the help, just seem to be lacking practice with it. Probably remembering too much of the time I missed second in the intersection and then scared the hell out of my brother when I took a left hand corner too sharp and the passenger door popped open and he wasn't wearing his seat belt and flew out the cab holding onto the door, lol. I had previously driven it a ways, I think once it warms up a little bit I'll start taking it out at night and keep to the residential area around me till I get a real strong feel of stopping and going with it.

This all should just be common sense, lol, my guess is I'm working too hard.

 

That is one good looking truck! I would love to see a few more pictures and know a little more about it. What is on there for wheels? is the box factory?

Brian

 

I thought I was alone, apparently not! I have been struggling with this double shifting for the year my truck has been on the road. I dont seem to have any problems upshifting, but I cannot for the life of me downshift this beast. No matter how many times I try, nothing but grinding! I too have read about revving the engine a bit, and have tried to get the hang of it, but to no avail!! Embarrassed to say this, but on a few occasions, have had someone pull out in front of me causing me to slow down on a slight grade, and because I was in 4th gear, and my inability to master the downshift to reach 3rd gear for more power, i have had to pull off of the road and start out in 2nd gear again! Pretty bad huh! Now I have exposed my innermost secrets, so be gentle in your laughter! lol. Anyway, someday maybe I will master it and my wife wont roll her eyes at me with all of the grinding of the gears!

 

Practice,practice,practice, I wish i could help,but it's something you just have to work on. I grew up on a farm so using the old coe was something you had to learn at age 14 to help dad. I remember they were tuff,but you will get it. There was a lot of double clutching going on and it was hard for a 95 lb. weakling like i was at 14 .I probable could not do it now since that was about 50 years ago. JIM

 

I drove my truck for a few years before meeting an old timer at a car show who was the original owner of the truck. I asked him how in the heck he was able to down shift. Now my success rate is about 90% with out grinding.

It's kind of hard to describe because it becomes second nature so as I'm writing the following I'm sitting in my office chair trying to go through the motions and write down the motions as I go through them.

When you come to the point you have to down shift, going around a corner or slowing down in traffic, push in the clutch, shift to neutral, push in the clutch again, goose the gas just a little just before shifting into the lower gear. Not too much gas, just enough. Like stated above, practice, you'll get it.

 

I just got this picture of you, left hand in the air holding an imaginary wheel, right hand off the the side of your chair holding the stick and you bumping your knee on the keyboard as you release the imaginary clutch. You probably kicked the back of your desk as you were goosing the gas.

 

Exactly! But you include the "GrRRrrRRrrm--GrRRrrRRrrm--GrRRrrRRrrm"

 

Just have to say that this thread and one or two others from over the years (I searched for "downshifting") saved me just a TON of aggravation learning how to drive the F1 I just got (last week!). Several loops around a mile square section saw me grinding away and generally annoying my 12-year old daughter with the noise.

I spent last night reading this thread and the others, the key things I didn't know about but learned: (a) goosing the gas in neutral to downshift, and (b) really lightly, lightly guiding the stick into gear with just one or two fingers of pressure on the stick. I was really trying to ram the thing into gear, and tonight when I practiced I was able to make a couple of loops around the section with hardly any grinding of gears, and I seemed to be able to downshift pretty smoothly whenever I wanted.

That whole "goosing the gas" thing was also key. I just didn't hear the drum intro to "Another One Bites the Dust." Maybe next time.

So FTE to the rescue once again. thanks everybody,

Jim

 

Glad you got the hang of it. Shifting these old transmissions is an acquired skill. You need a light touch to get it started into the gear you want, then a firm hand to get it fully engaged. Practice is the only way.

 

as mentioned double clutching .we guys with the cdl's still do it . after awhile you will get so used to it you'll be able to float 'em which is shifting up or down without the clutch . shoulda been there when i was first taught to drive that 13 speed in the cabover .................. i was suprised there was a trans left !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!