Who here downshifts?

Airmaster · 01-17-2011, 06:09 PM

Hey guys, every forum I visit I pose the same question... Do you downshift to aid in braking?

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.

racsan · 01-17-2011, 06:13 PM

i downshift while braking, just habit i guess, its how i learned to drive, dont even give it much thought.

JC 97 · 01-17-2011, 06:15 PM

I have owned a 5spd since '92 and have always downshifted to aid in braking.

02RangerXLT · 01-17-2011, 06:17 PM

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 · 01-17-2011, 06:17 PM

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** · 01-17-2011, 06:21 PM

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

**Mac** · 01-17-2011, 06:39 PM

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 · 01-17-2011, 06:42 PM

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 · 01-17-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hahnsb2

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 · 01-17-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airmaster

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 · 01-17-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hahnsb2

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 · 01-17-2011, 07:33 PM

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?

01-17-2011, 06:09 PM	#1
Airmaster Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Florida Year: 2006, 2013 Make: Mazda, Chevy Model: B3000, Camaro Engine: 3.0L Stick, 3.6L Stick Class: RWD Street, RWD Used For: Reminiscing... RIP B3000 Posts: 412 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (1)	Who here downshifts? Hey guys, every forum I visit I pose the same question... Do you downshift to aid in braking? 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.
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01-17-2011, 06:13 PM	#2
racsan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: marion ohio Year: 1993 Make: ford Model: ranger s/c Engine: 4.0/245 c.i.d. Class: 4xford Used For: gitten' it done! Posts: 1,319 Rep Power: 16 iTrader: (0)	i downshift while braking, just habit i guess, its how i learned to drive, dont even give it much thought. __________________ at the corner of "walk" & "dont walk" cardomain link:--> http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3216869 1993 ranger s/c 4.0 hurst-equipped 5-spd,3.73s ,4x4, milemarker hubs, black grille guard/tube steps,summit rear diff cover with bearing load supports. 117K & still going strong. http://www.myspace.com/small_dog_trucking
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01-17-2011, 06:15 PM	#3
JC 97 Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Year: 1997 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.3 Class: 2wd Street Used For: summer/fall vacation use,hauling wood,hunting,D.D. Posts: 340 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (0)	I have owned a 5spd since '92 and have always downshifted to aid in braking. __________________ I am invisible
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01-17-2011, 06:17 PM	#5
Hahnsb2 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Battle Ground WA Year: 88-95 Make: Ford-Dodge Model: BII-Dakota Engine: 4.0-5.2 Turbo Class: Real 4WD, 3WD. Used For: Going where I point it-Going fast Posts: 4,408 Rep Power: 24 iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ 88 Bronco II, 4.0L, M5OD, 4.56s, Aussie Locked 8.8/D35, 1354M, 34" LTBs 95 Dakota CC, 5.2, 5 Spd, 2WD,Turbo, Megasquirt, 3.55s, Locked
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01-17-2011, 06:21 PM	#6
4x4junkie Mall-Rated Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: So. Calif (SFV) Year: 1990,1994 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II, Ranger Engine: 2.9L, 4.0L Used For: Crawling over things Posts: 8,008 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (0)	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 __________________ '90 Bronco II XLT 5" lift (Skyjacker Jeep coils), D35 & 8.8" w/5.13s (locked), 1354 dual T-case, 35x12.50s '94 Ranger XLT 6" Skyjacker, ARB D44 front, Detroit 8.8" rear, Atlas 4.3, 33s Last edited by 4x4junkie; 01-17-2011 at 06:24 PM.
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01-17-2011, 06:39 PM	#7
Mac Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: C. Wisconsin Year: 2003 Make: Ford Model: Ranger XLT Ext Cab Engine: 3.0 Class: 2WD Street Used For: Summer Beater Posts: 4,398 Rep Power: 55 iTrader: (2)	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
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01-17-2011, 06:42 PM	#8
mp3deviant721 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Eau Claire, WI Year: 1995 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 2.3l of fury Class: 2WD Used For: DD and mall crawlinz Posts: 2,298 Rep Power: 15 iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ 1995 XLT 2wd, 2.3, M5OD-R1 1993 XLT 2wd, 4.0, M5OD-R1 1991 XLT 4wd, 2.9, FM146 See my build thread
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01-17-2011, 07:33 PM	#12
nb11 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South Georgia Year: 2003 Make: Ford Model: Ranger xl Engine: 2.3l Class: 2wd Used For: A-B Posts: 375 Rep Power: 9 iTrader: (0)	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?
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