4sp manual starting in 2nd gear

[Forsche]

Ok, so I'm revealing how new I am to these old trucks when I ask this question but....

I have a 4 spd manual. Its a 3.25 rear end. I've heard that its ok....or even expected....that you just start out in 2nd gear unless you really need the power of first gear. Is this true. I live in Atlanta and I admit, using first makes me feel like I'm in a semi tractor rather than a pickup. The acceleration in first gear has those behind me crawling up my rear bumper.

Thanks

Steve

[Doug Comer]

Yeah, start out in second. I do in my trucks.

[robroy]

Good morning Steve!

As Doug has mentioned, it's normal to start in second gear with the four-speed transmissions original to Bumpsides.

That first gear, sometimes called "granny," is designed for these conditions:

1. Starting out on a steep hill, while the truck has a very heavy trailer in tow.
2. Moving heavy loads/trailers around slowly (such as during delicate maneuvering while getting a truck+trailer parked in close quarters).

For normal driving (even with moderate loads, on level surfaces), these transmissions were designed to start the truck in second. For example, a couple of times I loaded ~3,000 pounds of gravel in to my 8,100lb GVW F250, and it was still most comfortable starting in the T18's second gear--first gear was over-kill even then! If I'd been on a very steep hill, first gear may have been a good idea.

Robroy

[Forsche]

Thanks to both of you for your help. I feel much better knowing that its normal to use 2nd gear in this way. Much appreciated.

Steve

[FLATBEDFORD]

You could even think of it as a three speed with an extra low gear for occasional use.

[cep62]

I have a '78 f350 it was a U haul ( now it's a ME Haul )
It has a NP435 and the shift knob says X lo then 1, 2 ,3.
There's a sticker on the dash that says to not down shift into this gear.

[Bullitt390]

I have a '78 f350 it was a U haul ( now it's a ME Haul )
It has a NP435 and the shift knob says X lo then 1, 2 ,3.
There's a sticker on the dash that says to not down shift into this gear.

The sticker probably has more to do with the non-synchro "X-Lo" 1st gear than stating to not use it.

Josh

[FLATBEDFORD]

Yup. You can't really "downshift " into first if the truck is moving without some pretty fancy foot work, and even then it is tricky to do it without some grinding.

[cep62]

Never underestimate the Uhaul customer.

[Caseys71]

Yup. You can't really "downshift " into first if the truck is moving without some pretty fancy foot work, and even then it is tricky to do it without some grinding.

, No matter how fast you're going either, believe me I tried and I was only rolling at a whopping 4-5 MPH. Downshifting into granny-low, not gonna happen .

[cep62]

believe me I tried and I was only rolling at a whopping 4-5 MPH.

Soooo , Did ya ever rent a U haul ??

[Caseys71]

believe me I tried and I was only rolling at a whopping 4-5 MPH.

Soooo , Did ya ever rent a U haul ??

, Maybe I should rent one so I can "borrow" the sticker and put it on my truck !