Hands on shifter?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 13
From: west plains spokane,wa
Hands on shifter?
Does anyone else like to drive (especially in town or 4 wheeling) with their hand on the manual stick shifter? A couple of owners manuals I've read say not to rest your hand on the shifter. Does it hurt anything if you do?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 382
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From: Delta,UT
lol no it doesnt hurt anything. Is this a serious question or are you joking haha
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
You have quite a bit of leverage with the shift lever, so even just the weight of your hand/arm hanging on the end of the shift lever can cause premature wear of the shift fork. I am sure it takes quite a bit of time, but still not a good habit to be in. Besides, your second hand should return to the steering wheel once you are done shifting.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: New Palestine, IN
i almost always have my hand on the shifter. probably because i got used to haulin grain in indianapolis in the semi where you are always stoppin/starting/slowing down which means you are always shifting so you never have time to take your hand off the shifter. and i do not see how it could hurt anything
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: long island
i drive with my hand resting on the shifter alot. but like nighthawk said, my arm is on my armrest alot too.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,964
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From: Fort Worth
In the instances you're talking about, I like to have both hands on the wheel, especially when off road. The last thing I need, especially in the mountains, is a big rut yanking the wheel out of my hand, and my truck off the trail.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 76
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From: Austin
It really is a habit you need to change. Keeping your hand on the shifter puts undue pressure and wear on the shifting fork and synchros. Grab your girlfriend instead. All 3 of you (you, your truck and your GF) will be happier.
And another thing: holding the clutch pedal down while at a stop is hard on the throwout bearing. Just leave the thing in neutral without touching anything until the light turns green, drop the pedal, shift into first...
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 151
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Oh well yeah off roading always with two hands
