• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Who here downshifts?


Airmaster

New Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
385
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Location
South Florida
Vehicle Year
2006,
2013
Make / Model
Mazda,
Chevy
Engine Size
3.0L Stick, 3.6L Stick
Transmission
Manual
Hey guys, every forum I visit I pose the same question... Do you downshift to aid in braking? :dunno:

I'm interested to see what people do and how they drive their stickshifts.

I happen to downshift, got used to it in my old Rav4 and I have carried it over to my truck.

IMO, I save my brakes and I gain a bit in MPGs, nothing is completely proven. BUT, I have driven the truck without downshifting on one of my tanks. It was the worst gas mileage I had in a while, so I quickly returned to my fun downshifting ways, lol. :D
 


racsan

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
4,919
Reaction score
4,317
Points
113
Location
central ohio
Vehicle Year
2009
Make / Model
ford/escape
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5/151 I-4
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
235/70/16
My credo
the grey-t escape
i downshift while braking, just habit i guess, its how i learned to drive, dont even give it much thought.
 

JC 97

Active Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2010
Messages
454
Reaction score
34
Points
28
Location
Mi.
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ford Ranger xlt
Engine Size
3.0
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
4" suspension
Tire Size
31x10.5
I have owned a 5spd since '92 and have always downshifted to aid in braking.
 

02RangerXLT

New Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
Messages
2,691
Reaction score
53
Points
0
Location
NE
Vehicle Year
2002
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
I only do it in big trucks and semi's. Only do that due to weight of what I'm pulling, never have in small cars or small trucks.
 

Hahnsb2

New Member
TRS Banner 2010-2011
Joined
Aug 8, 2007
Messages
4,416
Reaction score
36
Points
0
Age
35
Location
Battle Ground WA
Vehicle Year
88-95
Make / Model
Ford-Dodge
Engine Size
4.0-5.2 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
Most people don't do it correctly, I downshift on hills but usaully not to slow down unless I will be speeding up again. Brakes are cheaper than replacing synchros which you will wear out faster if you don't double clutch. It's amazing how many people I ride with that downshift every single gear every time they stop, it just isn't necessary.
 

4x4junkie

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
10,749
Reaction score
580
Points
113
Location
So. Calif (SFV)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9L V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
35x12.50R15
I tend not to in routine driving. I figure if saving some wear on my tranny synchros means I have to replace brakes a bit sooner, so be it (it's a lot easier to replace brakes).

I do use a low enough gear to avoid riding the brake excessively down a long grade however.

Edit, yeah exacty what Hahns said lol
 
Last edited:

Mac

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
5,103
Reaction score
182
Points
63
Age
77
Location
C. Wisconsin
Vehicle Year
2003
2000
199
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Manual
I think the whole secret in down shifting is learning to match the RPM's. I got so good with my old 4 speed, I could do it with out even using the clutch. Takes practice not probably not reccomended. I never give a thought to downshifting, just do it.
Dave
 

mp3deviant721

New Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
2,315
Reaction score
24
Points
0
Location
Eau Claire, WI
Vehicle Year
1995
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l of fury
Transmission
Manual
I don't. I'd rather replace brakes than a transmission or clutch. I will however downshift for hills to avoid overheating the brakes. But I do coast in gear to stop lights and signs and throw it into neutral before the engine starts to lug.
 

Airmaster

New Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
385
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Location
South Florida
Vehicle Year
2006,
2013
Make / Model
Mazda,
Chevy
Engine Size
3.0L Stick, 3.6L Stick
Transmission
Manual
Most people don't do it correctly, I downshift on hills but usaully not to slow down unless I will be speeding up again. Brakes are cheaper than replacing synchros which you will wear out faster if you don't double clutch. It's amazing how many people I ride with that downshift every single gear every time they stop, it just isn't necessary.
I've gotten used to simply downshifting into each gear except for first. Sometimes I'll just use 5th to 4th to 3rd, then stop.

Is that what you're saying or would you consider my downshifting excessive as well?
 

Hahnsb2

New Member
TRS Banner 2010-2011
Joined
Aug 8, 2007
Messages
4,416
Reaction score
36
Points
0
Age
35
Location
Battle Ground WA
Vehicle Year
88-95
Make / Model
Ford-Dodge
Engine Size
4.0-5.2 Turbo
Transmission
Manual
I've gotten used to simply downshifting into each gear except for first. Sometimes I'll just use 5th to 4th to 3rd, then stop.

Is that what you're saying or would you consider my downshifting excessive as well?
It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.
 

LIMA BEAN

Well-Known Member
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 26, 2007
Messages
3,710
Reaction score
140
Points
63
Location
ALASKA
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.
I duece the clutch too but rarely downshift past 3rd.
 

nb11

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
389
Reaction score
10
Points
18
Location
South Georgia
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
Speaking of clutches and synchros, mine won't go into first very well, and third is as low as I can downshift. Also, sometimes I'll stick it in first only to have it pop out of gear when I let off the clutch. Should I replace/fix something?
 

Airmaster

New Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
385
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Location
South Florida
Vehicle Year
2006,
2013
Make / Model
Mazda,
Chevy
Engine Size
3.0L Stick, 3.6L Stick
Transmission
Manual
It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.
sorry to sound dumb or slow, but how exactly do i double clutch? What is it that you do differently?
 

feellnfroggy

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Jun 11, 2008
Messages
4,454
Reaction score
28
Points
48
Age
43
Location
Knoxville, TN
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0L
Transmission
Manual
Great another cold air intake debate LOL. I downshift, I dont care about brakes or clutches its just what I do. I do however do it with this truck because I haveno rear brakes and need the assistance.
 

Airmaster

New Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2009
Messages
385
Reaction score
2
Points
0
Location
South Florida
Vehicle Year
2006,
2013
Make / Model
Mazda,
Chevy
Engine Size
3.0L Stick, 3.6L Stick
Transmission
Manual
Great another cold air intake debate LOL. I downshift, I dont care about brakes or clutches its just what I do. I do however do it with this truck because I haveno rear brakes and need the assistance.
Yep just trying to get more debate in, I thought there wasnt enough so... u know:yahoo: lol
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top