Downshifting Bad?

[The Fox]

I had someone try and convince me that downshifting to slow down is bad. I personally think he is full of it, but I might as well ask before I say anything stupid. His basic argument is that manual transmissions can break rods(? what rods he is talking about I don't think he knows either). I always downshift my truck and never have a problem with it. In fact when I was coming down cleghorn at the end where it hits the 138, it was in low ranger and 1st and I never hit the brakes the whole way down. This whole argument got started when I told him I disliked how automatics feel when the drive. They are not as responsive and when I let off the throttle, the just coast and down hill I have to use the brakes. Just something I personally don't like.
Nick

 

[locovaca]

Well, take it to the extreme, sure, you can screw up an engine. For example, downshifting to 2nd at 70-80 mph. If you don't take it above redline you'll definitely be safe.

 

[LittleHorse]

+1

Unless you "money shift" it as described above, you're not going to hurt anything. I always do it and would encourage anyone to do the same.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Yeah, I use compression braking most every time I stop... I've only hit the rev limiter once (just got the truck, was doing stupid 16 yo things) it locked up my back tires and luckily didn't destroy anything, but I've heard that it's a good way to throw a rod (over revving), so just make sure you pick the right gear

 

[fordboi415]

dude i come down cleghorn from whenever the pass is backed up which is a lot and i always downshift and let the motor do the breaking and thats with the bed loaded with my CRF450R and gear, so your fine

 

[RangerFabWorks]

it wears your clutch faster but thats the only con