Down shifting Vs. coasting

[2000RangerXLT]

I have a 2000 Ranger 2wd 3.0v6 5spd manual, and I was wondering if it is better to down shift when coming to stops or if its better to just coast in neutral.

 

[fordboi415]

that all depends on how often you want to be replacing brakes, Ive had a set of pads last me 2 years without wearing down to metal by using a combination of both coasting and down shifting

 

[fourwheelford]

The great thing about a manual is the ability to control rpms, this helps in slowing you down but use it wisely like stated above you will either wear out your brakes or over rev your motor all the time. Figure out where your truck feels right to downshift and do that all the time you can slow down and use the motor and tranny for the purpose intended, I wish mine was a manual I really REALLY hate auto's. If your downshifting and the shock is throwing you forward all the time its a safe bet your doing it at two high of an RPM and thats not good.

 

[oldfordman]

One thing to consider- brakes are a lot cheaper and easier to replace than clutches or engine parts. I have both manual and auto trans vehicles, always get 40-50K on front pads, and about twice that on rear shoes. However, I only put on quality name-brand parts, especially since the parts store talked me into their store brand "just as good, lifetime warranty, save you 10 bucks" shoes that only lasted 20K miles. I also plan my stops, so I'm not making panic stops all the time. On the subject of brakes, don't forget maintainance like flushing the fluid every few years, and replacing the rubber/plastic caliper bushings. My S-10 has gone over 200K on the original calipers and discs, and the discs were never turned. Still stopped fine, even in a few emergencies. Unless the discs are scored or warped, I believe it is a waste to turn them. I know I'll get some discussion on this.

 

[ammojkm]

My S-10 has gone over 200K on the original calipers and discs, and the discs were never turned. Still stopped fine, even in a few emergencies. Unless the discs are scored or warped, I believe it is a waste to turn them. I know I'll get some discussion on this.

Not from me...196k on rotors and 136k on pads and counting on mine!

 

[fourwheelford]

Well yeah you can mess anything up by using it wrong, like you stated if you plan your stops and use the tranny properly than you can get a good life out of it.

 

[press 1 for english]

that all depends on how often you want to be replacing brakes, Ive had a set of pads last me 2 years without wearing down to metal by using a combination of both coasting and down shifting

Only 2 years on a set of brake pads? Something seriously wrong there. I normally get 80,000 miles out of a set of brakes.

 

[Big Jim M]

Steep downhill grades is the only time I ever use gearing on a ranger to slow the vehicle down. A 2-ton truck uses the gearing to keep from heating up the brakes. Lightweight vehicles have no reason to use the gears.
Big JIm

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Steep downhill grades is the only time I ever use gearing on a ranger to slow the vehicle down. A 2-ton truck uses the gearing to keep from heating up the brakes. Lightweight vehicles have no reason to use the gears.
Big JIm

This is true, but I do have to admit I downshift to avoid braking alot... Though, I don't ever use the clutch to downshift...

 

[2000RangerXLT]

Thanks for all of the replies. I am an aircraft mechanic by trade so I am always doing preventive maintenance.

 

[Frank The Tank]

1997 Ranger reg cab 2wd....... 2.3liter 5spd short bed. pushing well over 200k
I've replaced all 4 brake pads once............. at 180k
my dad did them when he first bought the truck (the odometer had been turned but it read 27k at the time)

I just jam it in a gear and dump the clutch, listen to the pipes crackle. If you go to a low enough gear you can break the tires loose (this assists in parallel parking) and it saves you annoying brake pads..... just buy cheaper tires.


Honestly......... I use the brakes in panic situations and complete stops (but I'm always downshifting to assist them) and to keep from rolling backwards at a stoplight on a hill, that's about it. I believe it saves fuel economy as well... because your more consciencious about your upcoming stops.

Frank