Shifting without the clutch

[LittleHorse]

Yeah it is, but it doesn't seem to like it as much. I tend to avoid it on the bike, unless the clutch hand is doing something else at the time. When driving a car, it seems like more effort to time it right than to just use the clutch so I tend not to, unless I just happen to feel like it. Which I occasionally do.

but clutching while you upshift upsets your balance while you're carrying a wheelie

 

[jamesdem1123]

I shifted without using the clutch today, it works well you just need to rev match the gears.

 

[desertrat]

I had a Chevy in the 70s and the Pressure Plate went out and the clutch would not release. Some of the tangs broke off the P. Plate. I jumped out the clutch switch so it would start in gear and drove it for 2 weeks until I had time to work on it. Toward the end of the 2 weeks I was never missing a gear, up or down; practice makes perfect. Personally, I feel if you are slow and careful it is no harder on synchronizers than using the clutch, they are doing basically the same thing if you do not force the shift. That sure made me appreciate the clutch! It was worrisome driving it like that, took a lot of planning in traffic. And I really did not know what was wrong with it until I tore it down, expected it to fail completely at any time. I have never heard of another Pressure Plate doing that, before or since. It was the original GM part too, and the truck was barely out of warranty. Never happen to a Ford----RIGHT!???

 

[Evan]

Shifting without the clutch doesn't really save the clutch from wear. Almost all the wear happens when you engage the clutch from a cold stop. A good driver tends to match the input RPM to the output RPM for the particular gear they're going to anyway. The clutch is just used to make the shift easier and quicker, and help you avoid damaging the gears during a "miss".

Like AllanD said though, it's a good skill to have for limping failed hydro (and cable) systems home and impressing various people.

 

[86bigred]

i've been doing it for years in the big trucks(peterbuilt,kenworth).but the trannys are not synchronized in those.it's a lot quicker than double clutching.

 

[srteach]

In my state, you cannot get a CDL license unless you can shift without the clutch. All you have to do is to match engine speed to gear speed for the gear you are going into.

 

[86bigred]

how times have changed.i had to double clutch in order to get my class1.hell, now they pass this one kid at work and he uses his left foot for the brake and right one on the go peddle.

 

[dirtsquirt]

other then starting/ stoping i never touch the clutch. my bronco was bought in new in 86 it's an 87 model, and i have never changed the clutch.

 

[cocoasranger]

My 37 pickup had no synchronizers and had to be double clutched for every shift. I was real happy to get a "modern" trans in my "new" 56 F100.

 

[kmack]

i tried not using the clutch in a toyota and a new chevy and it was dead simple. not easy in the city but i think it will come in handy.

 

[SawyerRanger]

How do you know what is exactly the right rpm? I don't have a standard, however I've always thought they were interesting.

 

[kmack]

you have to memorize. but its dependant on your speed and rpm.

i'm going to learn it by applying a tiny amount of pressure on the gear shift when i feel its near the right rpm and speed and then when you do match up the two speeds, it basically falls into gear. but i dont know how to get the vehicle moving from a stand still.

my guess is its damaging to the vehicle and i wont even bother trying. i've done the opposite though. only used 4th gear and clutched the shit out of a vehicle! stop signs and everything.

 

[darkspork]

you have to memorize. but its dependant on your speed and rpm.

i'm going to learn it by applying a tiny amount of pressure on the gear shift when i feel its near the right rpm and speed and then when you do match up the two speeds, it basically falls into gear. but i dont know how to get the vehicle moving from a stand still.

my guess is its damaging to the vehicle and i wont even bother trying. i've done the opposite though. only used 4th gear and clutched the shit out of a vehicle! stop signs and everything.

Kind of reminds me of when a friend in high school had to drive his F150 home after it lost gears 1-3. He asked me to follow him just in case he couldn't make it (all city driving). Every time he took off a cloud of clutch dust would come from the transmission.

 

[llxRanger]

I can hit every gear damn near everytime. No Clutch. Up-Shifting. Down Shifting till 3RD i can but I cant into 2nd Everytime or first ever. I just do it cause I have less clutch use.

 

[llxRanger]

BTW One thing to remember.

If you do shift without the clutch and you accidently grind. DO NOT REV it to get the RPMs right. Pull it back out Rev it and put it in there again. 90% of the time if you dont over rev or underrev you'll fall in there everytime.