Do your TOB, clutch and pocket book a favor

[2GRick]

Hi all.....Wanted to pass along something I've done for years and now it pertains to DSMs in particular especially considering the CW issues which drive everybody crazy.
I shift from 1st to 3rd then 5th. I shift at 2k and 3k (to keep from lugging the engine) unless I'm going up hills or in 'spirited driving mode'. It may seem odd but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. It works out to 30% less use of the clutch. I've gone 150k in a 87 Mazda PU on the original clutch, 130k on a Ford Ranger 4 cyl, so don't tell me it doesn't work or help. Your pocket book will thank you and honestly how much fun is it to change clutches.

 

[viprez586]

FWDs are easy as hell to pull a trans.
Try the AWDs.

Rev-matching isn't all it's cracked out to be, going from 1-3-5 wears out your synchroes a hell of a lot faster. Read up on the operation of a synchro and how the transmission power flow goes.

Replace synchroes or replace clutch? Hmmm...

Those trucks don't see the power and torque a GST does. And probably don't see the driver input to wear out a clutch that fast either.

Best bet would be to put a slightly stronger clutch disc in to withstand the abuse...even everyday casual driving.


Talking about TOBs as well, ALL aftermarket TOBs are junk for the most part. I put 3 OEM TOBs in and I've never had a hiccup. Many experienced people will tell you this as well. Call Jacks, shep, TRE - they all will tell you OEM!

Worn clutches don't generally relate to the cause of crankwalk either.

 

[habitatguy187]

And the only way that doing that won't wear out the synchros is double-clutch it, which will in turn put more stress on the tob and the thrust bearing.

 

[joescool2008]

Just don't upgrade anything and do maintenance would have been the right thing to say really .